Strychnos 1990 - 2004 - Crops for the Future

Strychnos 1990 - 2004 

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Year 

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Reference 

F. K. Akinnifesi, F. R. Kwesiga, J. Mhango, A. Mkonda, T. Chilanga and R. Swai 

Domesticating priority for Miombo indigenous fruit trees as a promising livelihoo 

2004 

Acta Horticulturae 

632, 15-30. Price(81 EURO 

Abstract 

Most countries in Southern Africa are experiencing acute malnutrition, food insecurity, and low 

income among the rural and peri-urban population, and these culminate in deforestation and loss of 

biodiversity. The Miombo woodlands are known to have over 75 indigenous fruit trees (IFTs), which 

bear edible fruits. The fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins, sold for cash income and constitute 

important food sources during famines and or emergencies. This paper provides an overview of 

some efforts to domesticate the IFTs identified by farmers and users as priority species, as an 

important step to provide opportunities for resource-poor farmers to cultivate and generate income 

from sale of fresh and processed products, and to conserve the genetic potential of these species. The 

approach used involves four basic steps: (1) identification of priority species by communities and 

other users, (2) participatory selection of superior trees and naming them in situ, (3) propagation and 

cultivation of trees as fruit orchards, and (4) dissemination and adoption. Uapaca kirkiana, Parinari 

curatellifolia, Strychnos cocculoides and Sclerocarya birrea have been identified by farmers and 

stakeholders as priority species for domestication in the southern Africa region. Germplasm of 

Uapaca and Sclerocarya were collected, exchanged among countries, and tested in multilocational 

provenance trials. Over 5000 farmers in four countries are involved in on-farm testing of IFTs in the 

field and homesteads. A new domestication strategy is developed for the participatory domestication 

of U. kirkiana, using the rapid clonal selection approach. A strong network of stakeholders and 

farmers has shown strong enthusiasm, commitment, and participation in the domestication of IFTs. 

Creation of an enabling environment through policy reforms and market development will be 

essential to achieve socio-economic empowerment of the resource-poor farmers in the region 

through domestication, utilization and commercialization of fruits and products. There is a need for 

product development research, private sector involvement and strong policy support in order to have 

t a n g i b l e i m p a c t .

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Reference 

H. W. Pritchard, M. I. Daws, B. J. Fletcher, C. S. Gamene, H. P. Msanga and W. 

Ecological correlates of seed desiccation tolerance in tropical African dryland tree 


American Journal of Botany 

91(6): 863-870 

Abstract 

In the tropics, species with recalcitrant or desiccation-sensitive, Type III seeds are largely restricted 

to regions with comparatively high rainfall, because desiccation-induced seed death will be minimal 

in these environments. However, species with recalcitrant seeds do occur in drylands, although little 

is known about ecological adaptations to minimize seed death in these environments. Here, we 

present data for the seed desiccation tolerance of 10 African dryland species (Dovyalis caffra, Khaya 

senegalensis, Kigelia africana, Lannea microcarpa, Sclerocarya birrea, Strychnos cocculoides, 

Syzygium cumini, Trchilia emetica, Vitellaria paradoxa and Ximenia americana) and examine the 

relationships between seed size, rainfall at the time of seed shed, and desiccation tolerance for these 

and a further 70 species from the scientific literature. The combined data set encompasses species 

from 33 families. Three species (Syzygium cumini, T. emetica, and V. paradoxa) had desiccationsensitive 

seeds, and the remaining seven species investigated were desiccation-tolerant. The 

desiccation-sensitive species had large (>0.5 g) seeds, germinated rapidly, and had comparatively 

small investments in seed physical defenses. Furthermore, seed was shed in months of high rainfall 

(>60 mm). In comparison, for species with desiccation-tolerant seeds, seed mass varied across five 

orders of magnitude, and seed was shed in wet and dry months. Although infrequent in dryland 

environments (approximately 11% of the species examined here), species with desiccation-sensitive 

seeds do occur; large size, rapid germination, and the timing of dispersal all reduce the likelihood of 

seed drying. Furthermore, desiccation-sensitivity may be advantageous for large-seeded species by 

increasing the efficiency of resource use in seed provisioning. 

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Reference 

Brochado, C. D., A. P. de Almeida, B. P. Barreto, L. P. Costa, L. S. Ribeiro, R. L. 

Flavonol robinobiosides and rutinosides from Alternanthera brasiliana (Amaranth 

2003 

Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society 

14(3): 449-451 

Abstract 

The extract of the medicinal species Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntze afforded six di- and triglycosyl 

kaempferol and quercetin derivatives. Their structures were elucidated based on the H-1- and C-13- 

NMR data and are reported here for the first time in this genus. Kaempferol 3-O-robinobioside and 

kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside significantly inhibited the human lymphocyte proliferation in vitro.

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Frederich, M., M. Bentires-Ali, M. Tits, L. Angenot, E. Heinen and M. C. De Pau 

Apoptosis induction in human cancer cells by sungucine from Strychnos icaja root 

2003 

Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology 

367(3): 260-265 

Abstract 

Sungucine (SG) and isosungucine (ISG) are bisindole alkaloids characterized by a 5'-23 link between 

the two parts of the compounds, which are till now specific to Strychnos icaja. In this work, SG and 

ISG were submitted to the NCI's in vitro 60 human tumor cell line screen, where SG showed 

interesting selectivity (6X) against the tested leukemia cell lines. In HL60-treated cells, apoptosis 

was demonstrated by observation of apoptotic bodies formation, and phosphatidylserine exposition 

at cell surface. In HeLa-treated cells, the analysis of cellular cycle by flow cytometry showed G1 

accumulation and a small sub-G1 peak that could be related to DNA fragmentation characteristic of 

apoptosis. The eventual role of p53 was analyzed using wild-type HCT-116 colon cancer cells. 

Nevertheless, p53 and Bax expression were not modified in SG-treated cells. The cleavage of PARP 

by caspase-3 protease proved that apoptosis was also induced in this line. These results demonstrate 

that SG induces apoptosis, but also necrosis, in human cancer cell lines. 

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Abstract 

Frederich, M., M. Bentires-Alj, M. Tits, L. Angenot, R. Greimers, J. Gielen, V. B 

Isostrychnopentamine, an indolomonoterpenic alkaloid from Strychnos usambaren 

2003 

Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 

304(3): 1103-1119 

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Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Mukherjee, R. and P. A. Keifer 

Warifteine and methylwarifteine: H-1 and c-13 assignments by two-dimensional 

2003 

Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry 

41(3): 213-218 

Abstract 

The identity and structures of warifteine and methylwarifteine, two tertiary bisbenzylisoquinoline 

alkaloids of an unusual type, were elucidated and verified by 2D NMR spectroscopy. Complete H-1 

and C-13 NMR spectral assignments were obtained. Copyright (C) 2003 John Wiley Sons, Ltd. 

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Abstract 

Philippe, G., P. De Mol, M. Zeches-Hanrot, J. M. Nuzillard, M. H. Tits, L. Angen 

Indolomonoterpenic alkaloids from Strychnos icaja roots 

2003 

Phytochemistry 

62(4): 623-629 

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Year 

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Reference 

Reddy, M. S. and N. Parthasarathy 

Liana diversity and distribution in four tropical dry evergreen forests on the Coro 

2003 

Biodiversity and Conservation 

12(8): 1609-1627 

Abstract 

Liana diversity was inventoried in four tropical dry evergreen forest sites that are characterized by 

numerous trees, of short stature and small diameter, and a varying degree of anthropogenic 

disturbance, on the Coromandel coast of south India. A 1-ha plot was established in each of the four 

sites and was subdivided into 100 quadrats of 10 m x 10 m. All lianas greater than or equal to1 cm 

diameter at breast height (dbh) rooted within the plot were enumerated. The species richness and 

density of lianas, with respect to site disturbance and forest stature, varied across the sites. Liana 

density totaled 3307 individuals (range 497-1163 individuals ha(-1)) and species richness totaled 39 

species (range 24-29 species ha(-1)) representing 34 genera and 24 families. Combretaceae, 

Asclepiadaceae, Capparaceae and Vitaceae were the well-represented families. The top five species 

Strychnos minor, Combretum albidum, Derris ovalifolia, Jasminum angustifolium and Reissantia 

indica contributed 55% of total density. The slopes of the species-area curves were different for each 

of the four sites and the curve stabilized in only one site. Of the four climbing modes recognized 

among the total 39 species, 18 were twiners (56% of the total density). Eight species (24% of 

density) were tendril climbers and 12 species (16% of density) were scramblers. Hugonia mystax 

was the only hook climber. All the 39 species and 88% of liana density were encountered within a 

category of 6 cm dbh or less, and a similar pattern prevailed in the individual sites. Of the three 

diaspore dispersal modes found among the 39 liana species, animal (64%) and wind (23%) dispersal 

were predominant over the autochorous mode (13%). Liana diversity and distribution in dry forest 

communities appear to be influenced by forest stature and site disturbance levels. In the light of the 

extent of liana diversity and sacred grove status of the study sites, the need for forest conservation, 

i n v o l v i n g l o c a l p e o p l e , i s e m p h a s i z e d .

Author 

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Reference 

Wins, P., I. Margineanu, J. Penelle, L. Angenot, T. Grisar and L. Bettendorff 

Bisindole alkaloids from Strychnos guianensis are effective antagonists of nicotini 

2003 

Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology 

367(3): 253-259 

Abstract 

Several mono- and bisindole quaternary alkaloids isolated from the stem bark of Strychnos 

guianensis have recently been shown to be effective blockers of neuromuscular transmission in mice. 

In this study, we used a human clonal cell line (TE671) expressing muscle-type nicotinic 

acetylcholine receptors. The agonist carbamylcholine activated a receptor-mediated Rb-86(+) efflux 

and this activation was antagonized by the indole alkaloids, the most active being bisindole 

bisquaternary compounds. The most effective antagonist, guiachrysine, had an IC50 around 0.43 

muM in the presence of 0.5 mM carbamylcholine, compared to 0.16 muM for d-tubocurarine, the 

most potent curarizing alkaloid. Guiaflavine and 5',6'-dehydroguiaflavine were slightly less effective. 

Monoindole compounds were 10 to 100 times less potent than bisindole alkaloids. Kinetic analysis 

showed that the inhibition of the carbamylcholine-dependent Rb-86(+) efflux by guiaflavine was of 

mixed competitive and uncompetitive type. The competitive component (K-I = 0.21 muM) is 

presumably due to binding at the acetylcholine site, while the uncompetitive component (K'(I) = 0.92 

m u M ) m a y b e d u e t o o p e n c h a n n e l b l o c k . 

Author 

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Reference 

Zlotos, D. P. 

Iso-caracurine v, a novel unexpected decomposition product of caracurine v 

2003 

Journal of Natural Products 

66(1): 119-120 

Abstract 

The structure of iso-caracurine V (3), an unexpected decomposition product of the Strychnos 

alkaloid caracurine V (1), was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Compound 3, which was probably 

previously regarded as bisnortoxiferine I (2), is a one-sided ring closed product of 2.

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Belem-Pinheiro, M. L., R. P. C. Couceiro, A. F. I. Da Rocha, F. J. Q. Monte and J. 

A new strychnobrasiline base of Strychnos mattogrossensis 

2002 

Natural Product Letters 

16(4): 229-233 

Abstract 

A new strychnobrasiline derivative, 12-hydroxy-10, 11-dimethoxystrychnobrasiline 1, has been 

isolated from the stem barks of Strychnos mattogrossensis. Its structure was established by 

spectroscopy analysis (1D and 2D NMR, MS, IR, UV) and literature data comparison. Two other 

known indoline alkaloids were also obtained from the heartwood, 12-hydroxy-11- 

methoxystrychnobrasiline 2 and strychnobrasiline 3. 

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Bennasar ML; Zulaica E; Alonso Y; Vidal B; Vazquez JT; Bosch J 

Addition of chiral enolates to n-alkyl-3-acylpyridinium salts. Total synthesis of (+ 

2002 

Tetrahedron-Asymmetry 

13(1): 95-106 

Abstract 

Chiral enolates of indolylacetyl derivatives 6a-f undergo addition to pyridinium salt 7 with complete 

trans-selectivity and varied diastereofacial selectivities to give, after acid-induced cyclization of the 

intermediate 1,4-dihydropyridines, the vinoxine-related tetracycles 8a-f. Starting from (S)-prolinol 

indolylacetamide 6e, subsequent elaboration of the ethylidene substituent from tetracycle 8e and 

removal of the chiral auxiliary has resulted in a straightforward synthesis of (+)-16-epivinoxine and 

(-)-vinoxine. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Author 

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Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Biswas, S., T. Murugesan, S. Sinha, K. Maiti, J. R. Gayen, M. Pal and B. P. Saha 

Antidiarrhoeal activity of Strychnos potatorum seed extract in rats 

2002 

Fitoterapia 

73(1): 43-47 

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Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Abstract 

Cao, H., Y. Liu and S. d. Jin 

Determination of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux vomica L. and its prepa 

2002 

Chinese Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 

22(4): 279-281 

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Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Chan, T. Y. K. 

Herbal medicine causing likely strychnine poisoning 

2002 

Human and Experimental Toxicology 

21(8): 467-468 

Abstract 

'Maqianzi' (the dried ripe seed of Strychnos nux-vomica L.) contains 1.0-1.4% each of strychnine 

and brucine. After processing to reduce its toxicity, 'maqianzi' was used as a herbal remedy for 

rheumatism, musculoskeletal injuries and limb paralysis. A 42-year old woman with neck pain was 

prescribed 15 g of 'maqianzi' to be taken in two doses at 7 hours apart, although the recommended 

dose was 0.3-0.6 g. She was apparently well after drinking the first of two bowls of 'maqianzi' 

decoction. One hour after she drank the second bowl of herbal decoction, she suddenly developed 

tonic contractions of all her limb muscles and carpopedal spasm lasting 5 min, difficulty in 

breathing, chest discomfort and perioral numbness. The second bowl of decoction probably became 

more concentrated because of evaporation of water during continued boiling and contained a larger 

amount of 'maqianzi'. On arrival in the hospital 1 hour later, she complained of muscle pain and 

tiredness. She was found to have hyperventilation and weakness of four limbs, with muscle power of 

grade 5(-)/5. All her symptoms gradually subsided over the next few hours. This case illustrated that 

'maqianzi' can cause strychnine poisoning even after processing, especially when the recommended 

dose is greatly exceeded. In any patient with 'unexplained' muscle spasms or convulsions, strychnine 

poisoning should be included in the differential diagnosis and they should be asked about the use of 

h e r b a l m e d i c i n e s .

Author 

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Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Ergun, Y., S. Patir and G. Okay 

Synthesis of the azocino[4,3-b]indole core structure for the synthesis of strychnos 

2002 

Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry 

39(2): 315-318 

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Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Frederich, M., M. J. Jacquier, P. Thepenier, P. De Mol, M. Tits, G. Philippe, C. D 

Antiplasmodial activity of alkaloids from various Strychnos species 

2002 


65(10): 1381-1386 

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Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Abstract 

Hokelek, T., S. Patir, Y. Ergun and G. Okay 

Ethyl 9h-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole-3-carboxylate 

2002 

Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online 

58(NOV): O1255-O1257 

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Author 

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Reference 

Hosagoudar, V. B. and S. Shiburaj 

Meliola gamsii sp nov (ascomycetes, meliolales) from Kerala, India 

2002 

Nova Hedwigia 

74(3-4): 411-413 

Abstract 

The new species Meliola gamsii is described from the host plant Strychnos mix-vomica from Kerala, 

I n d i a . 

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Khumalo, L. W., L. Majoko, J. S. Read and I. Ncube 

Characterisation of some underutilised vegetable oils and their evaluation as starti 

2002 

Industrial Crops and Products 

16(3): 237-244 

Abstract 

Oils were extracted from the inner skin of Strychnos madagascariensis fruit shell, Trichelia emetica 

seed and Ximenia caffra seed. Gas chromatography analysis of methyl esters of the glycerides of 

these oils was used to determine the fatty acid profiles of the oils. S. madagascariensis and X. caffra 

oils were found to contain high oleic acid levels, 68 and 59% respectively, while T emetica oil was 

found to contain 53% palmitic acid. Pancreatic lipase digestion was used to perform structural 

analyses on the triglycerides of oils. Oleic acid was found to be concentrated at the 2-position of the 

triglycerides of the X caffra and T emetica oils. The three oils were evaluated for use as starting 

materials in lipase-catalysed production of cocoa butter equivalents using transesterification 

reactions. A 1,3-specific lipase from Rhizomucor miehei was used to incorporate stearic acid and 

palmitic acid into the 1- and 3-positions of the triglycerides. The products of the transesterifications 

in the case of X caffra and S. niadagascariensis compare well with those produced using lipasecatalysed 

transesterifications of other oils. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Abstract 

Lansiaux, A., C. Bailly, C. Houssier, P. Colson, M. C. De Pauw-Gillet, M. Frederi 

Apoptosis of hl-60 leukemia cells induced by the bisindole alkaloids sungucine an 

2002 

Planta Medica 

68(7): 591-595 

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Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Abstract 

Lynch, S. M., S. K. Bur and A. Padwa 

Intramolecular amidofuran cycloadditions across an indole pi-bond: An efficient a 

2002 

Organic Letters 

4(26): 4643-4646 

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Author 

Title 

Year 

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Reference 

Martin, S. F. 

Evolution of the vinylogous mannich reaction as a key construction for alkaloid sy 

2002 

Accounts of Chemical Research 

35(10): 895-904 

Abstract 

The vinylogous Mannich reaction is rapidly emerging as an important process for the construction of 

derivatives of delta-aminocarbonyl compounds. Because the iminium and dienol components 

employed in this addition may be either acyclic or cyclic, a wide variety of adducts may be quickly 

assembled. These intermediates may then in turn be converted into a broad array of alkaloids and 

substituted nitrogen heterocycles. We have developed a number of variations of this reaction and 

have applied some of them to the concise syntheses of a number of structurally diverse and complex 

alkaloid natural products. Many of these results are presented in a historical context in this Account.

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Mitaine-Offer, A. C., M. Sauvain, A. Valentin, J. Callapa, M. Mallie and M. Zech 

Antiplasmodial activity of aspidosperma indole alkaloids 

2002 

Phytomedicine 

9(2): 142-145 

Abstract 

The antiplasmodial activity of twelve alkaloids with an aspidospermane skeleton was estimated in 

vitro on chloroquine-resistant and sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Seven tetracyclic 

alkaloids possessing a free ethyl chain such aspidospermine, showed IC50 after incubation for 72 h 

between 3.2 and 15.4 muM. Moreover, four pentacyclic alkaloids with ethyl chain included in a 

tetrahydrofuran, such haplocine, showed a reduced activity, with IC50, after 72 h, between 22.6 and 

52.6 muM. According to these results, a chloroquine-potentiating experiment was also performed 

with two of the most active compounds. Isobolograms were obtained and demonstrated a synergic 

effect of N-formyl-aspidospermidine and aspidospermine when associated with chloroquine. The 

cytotoxicity and the selectivity index of some alkaloids were also estimated. 

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Abstract 

Ohshima, T., J. Y. Xu, R. Takita, S. Shimizu, D. F. Zhong and M. Shibasaki 

Enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-strychnine using the catalytic asymmetric m 

2002 

Journal of the American Chemical Society 

124(49): 14546-14547 

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Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Padwa, A., T. M. Heidelbaugh, J. T. Kuethe, M. S. McClure and Q. Wang 

Tandem pummerer/mannich cyclization cascade of alpha-sulfinylamides as a meth 

2002 

Journal of Organic Chemistry 

67(17): 5928-5937 

Abstract 

A series of alpha-sulfinylenamides was conveniently prepared by the condensation of a primary 

amine with a ketone, followed by reaction of the resulting imine with ethylsulfenylacetyl chloride 

and subsequent oxidation with sodium periodate. When treated with p-TsOH, cyclization occurred to 

produce fused isoquinoline lactams by a mechanism that involves an initial Pummerer reaction 

followed by a subsequent cyclization of the resulting N-acyliminium ion onto the tethered aromatic 

ring. The isolation of a single diastereomer was rationalized in terms of a Nazarov-type 4pielectrocyclic 

reaction followed by pi-cyclization onto the least hindered side of the N-acyliminium 

ion. Another method that was used to generate the alpha-acylthionium ion intermediate involved the 

reaction of bis(ethylsulfenylacetyl)acetamides with dimethyl(methyl)thiosulfonium tetrafluoroborate 

(DMTSF). Treatment of several bis-ethylsulfenylenamides with DMTSF delivered novel 

spiroheterocycles as single diastereomers in good yield by a related process. The convergency and 

stereochemical control associated with this cascade sequence make it particularly suited for the 

assembly of natural product scaffolds. Some preliminary studies were directed toward both 

mesembrine and deethylibophyllidine. When the model Z-enamido sulfoxide 33 was heated with p- 

TsOH, a 80% yield of tosylate 34 was obtained as a single diastereomer. In this case, the carbocation 

intermediate derived from cyclization onto the terminal pi-bond was trapped with p-TsOH from the 

least hindered face, opposite the angular carbomethoxy and methyl groups. Related cyclization 

cascades were also found to occur with systems containing tethered indole rings. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

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Reference 

Abstract 

Philippe G; Prost E; Nuzillard JM; Zeches-Hanrot M; Tits M; Angenot L; Frederi 

Strychnohexamine from Strychnos icaja, a naturally occurring trimeric indolomon 

2002 

Tetrahedron Letters 

43(18): 3387 - 3390 

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Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Raghuwanshi PK; Mandloi M; Sharma AJ; Malviya HS; Chaudhari S 

Improving filtrate quality using agrobased materials as coagulant aid 

2002 

Water Quality Research Journal of Canada 

37(4): 745-756 

Abstract 

In the present study, an evaluation of agrobased materials (ABM) as a coagulant aid in conjunction 

with alum has been conducted to determine their efficacy in water treatment. The agrobased 

materials evaluated are Surjana seed (Moringa oleifera), Nirmali seed (Strychnos potatorum) and 

maize (Zeemays). Experiments have been conducted simulating a conventional water treatment train 

consisting of coagulation-flocculation-settling and granular media filtration. Emphasis has been 

given to the filtration aspect of the treatment train using synthetic turbid water. The filter 

performance was defined by water quality and head loss development across the filter bed. When 

Nirmali seed or maize was used as a coagulant aid, the alum dose required was 25 and 15 mg/L, 

respectively, and the filtrate turbidity achieved was less than 0.2 NTU, whereas alum alone with a 

dose of 45 mg/L achieved filtrate turbidity levels higher than 1 NTU. Thus, the use of ABM 

improved the filtrate quality. Head loss in filter with Surjana seed and Maize as coagulant aids was 

comparable to that of alum alone, whereas it was higher when Nirmali seed was used as a coagulant 

a i d . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Rasoanaivo, P., M. T. Martin, E. Guittet and F. Frappier 

New contributions to the structure elucidation and pharmacology of Strychnos alk 

2002 

Studies in Natural Products Chemistry 

26: 1029-1072 

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Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Rukuni D; Mukwekwerere M 

Community participation in choosing indigenous fruit tree species for planting in 

2002 

Tree Seed News 

5: 1-4 

Abstract 

This paper presents the priority indigenous fruit tree species: Adansonia digitata, Azanza garckeana, 

Berchemia discolor, Diospyros mespiliformis, Flacourtia indica, Grewia spp., Sclerocarya birrea, 

Strychnos madagascariensis, S. cocculoides, Trichilia emetica, Uapaca kirkiana, Vangueria spp., and 

Vitex payos, identified by the local communities in a participatory rural appraisal conducted in five 

districts: Hwange and Bubi in Matebeleland North, Zaka and Mwenezi in Masvingo, and Beitbridge 

in Matebeleland South, in Zimbabwe. Some recommendations of the local communities regarding 

the improvement of the preferred species are also highlighted. Species such as Strychnos 

cocculoides, Azanza garckeana, Sclerocarya birrea and Berchemia discolor, which are identified as 

easy to establish and fast growing, have the potential for domestication. 

Author 

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Reference 

Tulyaganov, T. S. and F. K. Allaberdiev 

Alkaloids of Nitraria sibirica. Structures of nitraramidine and nitraraidine 

2002 

Chemistry of Natural Compounds 

38(6): 602-604 

Abstract 

Two new alkaloids nitraramidine and nitraraidine were isolated from the aerial part of Nitraria 

sibirica. Their structures were established using spectral data and chemical transformations.

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Xu, Y., K. Ohori, T. Ohshima and M. Shibasaki 

A practical large-scale synthesis of enantiomerically pure 3-[bis(methoxycarbonyl 

2002 

Tetrahedron 

58(13): 2585-2588 

Abstract 

A highly practical and efficient procedure for the large-scale (up to 6 mol) synthesis of 

enantiomerically pure (R)-3-[bis(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]cyclohexanone using an (R)- 

AlLibis(binaphthoxide) complex ((R)-ALB)-catalyzed asymmetric Michael reaction was developed. 

The reaction was successfully accelerated under highly concentrated conditions without lowering 

chemical yield or the high enantiomeric excess. Under these conditions, only 0.05 mol% of the 

catalyst forced the reaction to completion in 48 h. The work-up procedure was also improved and the 

enantiomerically pure compound was obtained as a white crystal in up to 95% yield without 

chromatographic separation. Finally, pre-manufacturing scale synthesis was performed. Using 0.1 

mol% of the catalyst with 0.09 mol% of KO-t-Bu and MS 4 Angstrom, the Michael reaction of 2- 

cyclohexenone (6.0 mol, 581 mL) with dimethyl malonate (6.0 mol, 686 mL) was completed in 24 h 

at ambient temperature to afford more than a kilogram of the enantiomerically pure product in 91% 

yield after three successive crystallizations. The described method renders the enantiomerically pure 

Michael adduct readily available on greater than kilo scale. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights 

r e s e r v e d . 

Author 

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Year 

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Reference 

Zhao, S., X. B. Liao and J. M. Cook 

Enantiospecific, stereospecific total synthesis of (+)-majvinine, (+)-10-methoxyaff 

2002 


4(5): 687-690 

Abstract 

[GRAPHICS] - The enantiospecific stereospecific total synthesis of majvinine la, 10- 

methoxyaffinisine 1b, and N-a-methylsarpagine 1c are reported; this method has also resulted in the 

total synthesis of the Alstonia bisindole macralstonidine 2.

Author 

Title 

Year 

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Reference 

Biswas, S., T. Murugesan, K. Maiti, L. Ghosh, M. Pal and B. P. Saha 

Study on the diuretic activity of Strychnos potatorum linn. Seed extract in albino r 

2001 

Phytomedicine 

8(6): 469-471 

Abstract 

Methanol extract of Strychnos potatorum Linn. seeds (SPSE) was evaluated for its diuretic activity 

in Wistar albino rats. The SPSE was administered at the graded doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg 

body weight. The parameters which were taken into account during the experimental on each rat 

were: total urine volume (corrected for water intake during the test period), body weight before and 

after the experiment, and the concentration of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions in urine. The 

total urine volumes of the SPSE (600 mg/kg)-treated rats were evaluated nearly two and half fold 

then compared with the control (saline treated) group. Excretion of cations (sodium and potassium 

ions) and anions (chloride ions) also increased significantly with respect to the control group. The 

diuretic effect was comparable with that of the standard drug Furosemide. The increase of cations in 

the urine on treatment with Strychnos potatorum seed extract (SPSE) was dose-dependent. This 

effect supports the use of the Strychnos potatorum seeds as a diuretic in folk remedies. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Brandt, V., M. Tits, J. Penelle, M. Frederich and L. Angenot 

Main glucosidase conversion products of the gluco-alkaloids dolichantoside and p 

2001 


57(5): 653-659 

Abstract 

The enzymatic glucose cleavage of palicoside revealed the biosynthetic pathway to akagerine, 

whereas the conversion of dolichantoside led to a new quaternary heteroyohimbine alkaloid named 

N-b-methyl-21-beta -hydroxy-mayumbine. The hypothetical models of reactions occurring after the 

conversion of both substrates are proposed. Dolichantoside and palicoside, as well as Strychnos 

mellodora a stem bark crude ethanol extract, exhibit significant antimycotic activity against human 

pathogens in presence of specific glucosidase. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Cheng, M. J., I. L. Tsai and I. S. Chen 

Chemical constituents from Strychnos cathayensis 

2001 

Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society Taipei 

48(2): 235-240 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Frederich, M., M. C. De Pauw, C. Prosperi, M. Tits, V. Brandt, J. Penelle, M. P. 

Strychnogucines a' and b, two new antiplasmodial bisindole alkaloids from Strych 

2001 


64(1): 12-16 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Frederich, M., M. P. Hayette, M. Tits, P. De Mol and L. Angenot 

Reversal of chloroquine and mefloquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum by t 

2001 

Planta Medica 

67(6): 523-527 

Abstract 

Eight naturally occurring monoindole alkaloids were evaluated in vitro for their ability to inhibit 

Plasmodium falciparum growth and, in drug combination, to reverse the resistance of a chloroquineresistant 

strain of Plasmodium falciparum. None of these indole alkaloids has significant intrinsic 

antiplasmodial activity (IC50 > 10 muM or 5 mug/ml). Nevertheless, three alkaloids (icajine, 

isoretuline and strychnobrasiline) did reverse chloroquine resistance at concentrations between 2.5 

and 25.4 g/ml (IF of 12.82 for isoretuline on W2 strain). The Interaction Factor (IF) equals 2, < 2, or 

> 2 for additive, antagonistic or synergistic effects of alkaloids on chloroquine inhibition, 

respectively. Icajine and isoretuline were also assessed in vitro for their mefloquine potentiating 

activity on a mefloquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Only icajine proved to be 

s y n e r g i s t i c w i t h m e f l o q u i n e ( I F = 1 5 . 3 8 ) .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Hilton, S. T., T. C. T. Ho, G. Pljevaljcic, M. Schulte and K. Jones 

A tandem radical approach to the abce-rings of the aspidosperma and strychnos al 

2001 

Chemical Communications- Royal Society of Chemistry 

(2): 209-210 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Ito, M., C. W. Clark, M. Mortimore, J. B. Goh and S. F. Martin 

Biogenetically inspired approach to the strychnos alkaloids. Concise syntheses of 

2001 


123(33): 8003-8010 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Lambert, J. E. 

Red-tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius) and Strychnos mitis: Evidence for pl 

2001 

International Journal of Primatology 

22(2): 189-202 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Mori, M., M. Nakanishi, D. Kajishima and Y. Sato 

A new and general synthetic pathway to strychnos indole alkaloids: Total synthes 

2001 


3(12): 1913-1916 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Oppelt AL; Kurth W; Godbold DL 

Topology, scaling relations and leonardo's rule in root systems from African tree s 

2001 

Tree Physiology 

21(2-3): 117-128 

Abstract 

Aspects of root architecture, including topology, link length, diameter and scaling relations, were 

analyzed in excavated coarse root systems of three field-grown fruit tree species (Strychnos 

cocculoides Bak., Strychnos spinosa Lam. And Vangueria infausta Burch) and the fruit-bearing 

shrub Grewia flava DC. We investigated the root systems using semi-automatic digitizing and 

computer-based 3-D reconstruction techniques. Topological analysis was carried out to investigate 

branching patterns as basic determinants of root architecture. New topological indices were 

developed and revealed significant differences among the species. The different architectural 

strategies can be explained in terms of cost-benefit relations and efficiency in soil resource 

exploration and exploitation. In addition, some well-known hypotheses about geometry and scaling, 

most of them previously unverified by empirical observations on root systems, were tested. For 

practical applications, the main emphasis is on the relationship between proximal root diameter, an 

easily determined parameter, and several parameters describing the size of the whole root system. 

We also tested the "pipe stem" theory, essentially dating back to Leonardo da Vinci, which underlies 

many models and which we found conformed to our measurement data with reasonable accuracy. A 

physiological consequence of the "constant cross-sectional area rule" may be a certain homogeneity 

of hydraulic architecture throughout root systems. 

Other species included: Grewia flava; Strychnos spinosa; Vangueria infausta.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Penelle, J., P. Christen, J. Molgo, M. Tits, V. Brandt, M. Frederich and L. Angeno 

5 ',6 '-dehydroguiachrysine and 5 ',6 '-dehydroguiaflavine, two curarizing quaterna 

2001 


58(4): 619-626 

Abstract 

Two new quaternary indole alkaloids 5',6'-dehydroguiachrysine (1) and 5',6'-dehydroguiaflavine (2) 

were isolated from Strychnos guianensis stem bark. Their structures were determined by analysis of 

spectral data. Their inhibitory effects on neuromuscular transmission are also reported and compared 

to that of other quaternary alkaloids. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rasoanaivo, P., G. Palazzino, M. Nicoletti and C. Galeffi 

The co-occurrence of c(3) epimer n-b,c(21)-secocuran alkaloids in Strychnos dipl 

2001 


56(8): 863-867 

Abstract 

From the stem bark of Strychnos diplotricha, three N-b,C(21)-secocuran alkaloids, viz., 3-epimyrtoidine, 

11- demethoxy-3-epi-myrtoidine and 11-demethoxy-12-hydroxy-3-epi-myrtoidine, were 

isolated together with the known myrtoidine and 11-demethoxymyrtoidine. They also occur in 

different parts of S. myrtoides. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Shoba, F. G. and M. Thomas 

Study of antidiarrhoeal activity of four medicinal plants in castor-oil induced diarr 

2001 

Journal of Ethnopharmacology 

76(1): 73-76 

Abstract 

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous and methanolic plant extracts of Acorus 

calamus rhizome, Pongamia glabra leaves, Aegle marmelos unripe fruit and Strychnos nux-vomica 

root bark for their antidiarrhoeal potential against castor-oil induced diarrhoea in mice. The 

methanolic plant extracts were more effective than aqueous plant extracts against castor-oil induced 

diarrhoea. The methanolic plant extracts significantly reduced induction lime of diarrhoea and total 

weight of the faeces. The result obtained establish the efficacy of these plant extracts as 

antidiarrhoeal agents. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Sukul, N. C., S. Ghosh, S. P. Sinhababu and A. Sukul 

Strychnos nux vomica extract and its ultra-high dilution reduce voluntary ethanol i 

2001 

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 

7(2): 187-194 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Yashodhara, V. and K. Subhash 

Somatic embryogenesis in Strychnos nux vomica L 

2001 

Advances in Plant Sciences 

14(2): 491-494 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Backlund, M., B. Oxelman and B. Bremer 

Phylogenetic relationships within the Gentianales based on ndhf and rbcl sequenc 

2000 

American Journal of Botany 

87(7): 1029-1043 

Abstract 

Phylogenetic relationships in the Gentianales with focus on Loganiaceae sensu late are evaluated 

using parsimony analyses of nucleotide sequence data from the plastid genes rbcL and ndhF. Interand 

intrafamilial relationships in the Gentianales. which consist of the families Apocynaceae 

(including Asclepiadaceae), Gelsemiaceae, Gentianaceae, Loganiaceae, and Rubiaceae, are studied 

and receive increased support from the combination of rbcL and ndhF data, which indicate that the 

Family Rubiaceae forms the sister group to the successively nested Gentianaceae, Apocynaceae, and 

Loganiaceae, all of which are well supported. The family Gelsemiaceae forms a distinct, supported 

group sister to Apocynaceae. The Loganiaceae sensu stricto form a strongly supported group 

consisting of 13 genera: Antonia, Bonyunia, Gardneria, Geniostoma, Labordia. Logania, 

Mituasacme, Mirreola, Neuburgia, Norrisia, Spigelia, Strychnos, and Usteria. These genera form 

two well-supported lineages. Several members of Loganiaceae sensu Leeuwenberg and Leenhouts, 

i.e., Androya, Peltanthera, Plocosperma, Polypremum, and Sanango are clearly not members of the 

Gentianales. The earlier exclusion of Buddlejaceae (including Buddleja, Emorya, Gomphostigma, 

and Nicodemia) as well as the reclassification of the genera Nuxia and Retzia to Stilbaceae of the 

L a m i a l e s a r e a l l w e l l s u p p o r t e d .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Baimai, V., J. Phinchongsakuldit and C. Sumrandee 

Cytological evidence for a complex of species within the taxon Bactrocera tau (Di 

2000 

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 

69(3): 399-409 

Abstract 

Analysis of mitotic karyotypes of wild specimens of larvae of the Bactrocera tau-like fruit flies 

(Diptera: Tephritidae) in Thailand has revealed seven distinct chromosome forms, based on the 

amount and distribution of heterochromatin in sex chromosomes and autosomes. Such cytological 

differences are perfectly correlated with morphological observations and molecular genetics data. 

These findings clearly suggest that B. tau is a cluster of at least seven closely related species 

temporarily designated as species A (=B. tau), B, C, D, E, F and G. On the basis of the gross 

quantity of heterochromatin accumulation in the genome, three groups of mitotic karyotypes can be 

recognized. Group 1 comprises species A and E. Species E specifically occurs only in fruits of 

Strychnos thorelii while species A attacks many kinds of host plants. Group 2 contains species B, F 

and G. Species B has been found only in Siphonodon celastrineus fruit, whereas species F and G 

attack the same host species, the medically important plant, Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus, albeit in 

different localities. Group 3 includes species C and D, each of which comprises larger amounts of 

pericentric heterochromatin in all chromosomes than the other two groups. Hence, these two species 

are cytologically remote from those of groups 1 and 2. Species C and D occur allopatrically but they 

attack the same host plant species, Momordica cochinchinensis. Thus, genetic differentiation at the 

chromosomal level to specific host plant species and geographic isolation seem to play an important 

role in speciation of members of the B, tau complex. (C) 2000 The Linnean Society of London.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bonifacio, E. a., S. Santonoi and E. Zanini 

Soil properties required by some southern Sfrica fruit trees as assessed by discrimi 

2000 

Arid Soil Research and Rehabilitation 

14(3): 253-263 

Abstract 

Some indigenous fruit trees, in the drylands of southern Africa are worthy of interest because of 

their adaptation to environmental conditions prohibitive for traditional crops. Their fruits or their 

derivatives are traditionally used as an additional income by rural population, but little information 

is available about the properties of the soils that support their growth, although this information is 

necessary if the trees are subjected to sustainable domestication. Several soil properties are, 

however, to be considered as a whole and discriminant analysis provides a helpful tool to individuate 

the best conditions for the tree growth. Thirty-five soil samples were taken in areas where the trees 

naturally grow and produce, and the analytical data of the surface layer were used to relate soil 

properties to tree species. Four groups of trees were well separated using two discriminant functions 

that takes into account both the fertility characteristics (pH, organic C, N, texture, and properties of 

the exchange complex) and the Fe contents and distribution among the oxide forms. The 

discriminant functions allow a very acceptable reclassification of the data (more than 80% of cases 

correctly reclassified) and the classification coefficients were used to build an empirical equation 

that may help to identify the most suitable tree to be introduced at a new site. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Brandt, V., A. Geerlings, M. Tits, C. Delaude, R. van der Heijden, R. Verpoorte a 

New strictosidine beta-glucosidase from Strychnos mellodora 

2000 

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 

38(3): 187-192 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Chen, W. S., L. L. Liu, X. Li, L. W. Li, S. G. Ji, G. Q. Zhang and Y. F. Chai 

Separation and determination of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux vomica 

2000 

Biomedical Chromatography 

14(8): 541-543 

Abstract 

A capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed for the separation and determination of 

strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux-vomica L. and its preparation. The factors that could affect 

the separation were studied, such as the types and concentrations of electrolytes, pH, ionic strength 

and organic modifier. The optimum running buffer was 20 mmol/L of ammonium acetate containing 

0.2 mol/L of glacial acetic acid (pH 3.64). The applied voltage was 25 kV and the wavelength of the 

UV detector was set at 214 nm. The established method with dopamine hydrochloride as internal 

standard was linear in the range of 5-100 mug/mL for both strychnine and brucine. The recovery was 

102.96% for strychnine and 98.56% for brucine. The extracts of Strychnos nux-vomica and its 

preparation could be directly injected for analysis. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ergun, Y., N. Bayraktar, S. Patir and G. Okay 

Intermediates for the synthesis of indole alkaloids. Synthesis of tetrahydrocarbazo 

2000 


37(1): 11-14 

Abstract 

The synthesis of new precursors 8 and 15 for the synthesis of tetracyclic indole alkaloids were 

described. Many new intermediates 4-7 and 9-14 have also been synthesized. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Frederich, M., M. C. De Pauw, G. Liabres, M. Tits, M. P. Hayette, V. Brandt, J. P 

New antimalarial and cytotoxic sungucine derivatives from Strychnos icaja roots 

2000 

Planta Medica 

66(3): 262-269 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Liu XX; Wang T; Xu QG; Ma CR; Cook JM 

Enantiospecific total synthesis of the enantiomer of the indole alkaloid affinisine 

2000 


41(33): 6299-6303 

Abstract 

The enantiomer of affinisine has been synthesized (from L-tryptophan) with 100% 

diastereoselectivity via the asymmetric Pictet-Spengler reaction coupled with a Pd-0 (enolate 

mediated) coupling process. This enantiomer has also been converted into a key intermediate which 

provides a route to the enantiomers of both macroline and alstonerine following the previous work of 

LeQuesne. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Lockett, C. T. and L. E. Grivetti 

Food-related behaviors during drought: A study of rural Fulani, northeastern Nige 

2000 

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 

51(2): 91-107 

Abstract 

Two rural settled Fulani villages in northeast Nigeria were surveyed for dietary practices and use of 

edible wild plants (n = 100 adult subjects). Dietary patterns and medical data were obtained for 

children under 5, pregnant and lactating women and the elderly. A diversified diet was maintained at 

both geographical locations through hunting, gathering, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, 

food exchanges and cash purchases. Edible wild plants associated with children included fruits of 

baure (Ficus sycomorus), faru (Lannea schiniperi), giginya (Gardenia aqualla), kokiya (Strychnos 

spinosa) and nunu (Parinari curatellitolia). Leaves of shiwaka (Veronia colorate) were consumed by 

lactating women to stimulate breastmilk production. Generally, fruits of baure (Ficus sycomorus) 

were eaten to counter stomach pain; fruits of kisni (Bridelia ferruginea) were eaten to treat diarrhea; 

and bark of kuka (Adansonia digitata) was consumed for weight gain. Food storage was more 

important during wet seasons than dry because of local and regional flooding. Adult Fulani men rode 

to distant markets on bicycles, while women walked to market and in some instances expended 3200 

k c a l / d a y e n g a g i n g i n t h i s a c t i v i t y .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Morah, F. N. I. 

Fruit terpenoids and fatty acids of Strychnos spinosa Lam 

2000 

Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 

6(1): 57-60 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Ohba, M., H. Kubo and H. Ishibashi 

A chiral synthesis of the Strychnos and ophiorrhiza alkaloid normalindine 

2000 

Tetrahedron 

56(39): 7751-7761 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ohori, K., S. Shimizu, T. Ohshima and M. Shibasaki 

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of 19,20-dihydroakuammicine 

2000 

Chirality 

12(5-6): 400-403 

Abstract 

An enantiocontrolled total synthesis of 19,20-dihydroaltuammicine using a catalytic asymmetric 

Michael addition of dimethyl malonate to cyclohexenone as the key step is described. The above 

catalytic asymmetric Michael addition proceeds quite efficiently in the presence of a heterobimetalic 

asymmetric catalyst (ALB-KO-t-Bu-MS 4A, 0.3 mol%), giving the corresponding Michael adduct in 

94% yield and 99% ee. (C) 2000 Wiley Liss,Inc.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Ohshima, T., X. Youjun, Y. S. Kim, S. Matsunaga, K. Ohori and M. Shibasaki 

Studies toward the asymmetric total synthesis of strychnos alkaloid (-)-strychnine 

2000 

Symposium on the Chemistry of Natural Products 

42: 145-150 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Oliveira AFM; Salatino A 

Major constituents of the foliar epicuticular waxes of species from the Caatinga a 

2000 

Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung C-a Journal of Biosciences 

55(9-10): 688-692 

Abstract 

The epicuticular waxes of leaves of four species (Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Capparis yco, Maytenus 

rigida and Ziziphus joazeiro) from the Caatinga, (a semi-arid ecosystem of Northeast Brazil) and 

four species (Aristolochia esperanzae, Didymopanax vinosum, Strychnos pseudoquina and Tocoyena 

formosa) from the Cerrado, (a savanna ecosystem covering one third of the Brazilian territory), were 

analyzed. Six species contained a high content (above 60 mug.cm(-2)) of wax, four of them from the 

Caatinga. Triterpenoids and n-alkanes were the most frequent and abundant constituents found in the 

species from both habitats. The distribution of n-alkanes predominated by homologues with 27, 29, 

31 and 33 carbon atoms, displayed no consistent differences between species from the two habitats. 

Lupeol, beta -amyrin, epifriedelinol and ursolic acid were the triterpenoids found. Triterpenoids 

clearly predominate over alkanes in the waxes from the Cerrado species. The waxes of two 

evergreen species from the Caatinga yielded n-alkanes as predominant constituents. A comparison of 

foliar epicuticular waxes of native plants from ecosystems with different hydric constraints is 

d i s c u s s e d .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Oppelt, A. L. a., W. Kurth, H. Dzierzon, G. Jentschke and D. L. Godbold 

Structure and fractal dimensions of root systems of four co-occurring fruit tree spe 

2000 

Annals of Forest Science 

57(5-6): 463-475 

Abstract 

Coarse root systems of four different fruit tree species from southern Africa were completely 

excavated and semi-automatically digitized. Spatial distributions of root length were determined 

from the digitally-reconstructed branching systems. Furthermore, the fractal characteristic of the 

coarse root systems was shown by determining the box-counting dimensions. These quantitative 

methods revealed architectural differences between the species, probably due to different 

ecophysiological strategies. For fine root samples, which were taken before digging out the whole 

systems, fractal analysis of the planar projections showed no significant inter-species differences. 

Methodologically, the study underlines the usefulness of digital 3-D reconstruction in root research.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Otero, R., V. Nunez, J. Barona, R. Fonnegra, S. L. Jimenez, R. G. Osorio, M. Sald 

Snakebites and ethnobotany in the northwest region of colombia part iii: Neutraliz 

2000 


73(1-2): 233-241 

Abstract 

Thirty-one of 75 extracts of plants used by traditional healers for snakebites, had moderate or high 

neutralizing ability against the haemorrhagic effect of Bothrops atrox venom from Antioquia and 

Choco, north-western Colombia. After preincubation of several doses of every extract (7.8-4000 

mug/mouse) with six minimum haemorrhagic doses (10 mug) of venom, 12 of them demonstrated 

100% neutralizing capacity when the mixture was i.d. injected into mice (18-20 g). These were the 

stem barks of Brownea rosademonte (Caesalpiniaceae) and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae); the 

whole plants of Pleopeltis percussa (Polypodiaceae), Trichomanes elegans (Hymenophyllaceae) and 

Senna dariensis (Caesalpiniaceae); rhizomes of Heliconia curtispatha (Heliconiaceae); leaves and 

branches of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae), Philodendron tripartitum (Araceae), Struthanthus orbicularis 

(Loranthaceae) and Gonzalagunia panamensis (Rubiaceae); the ripe fruits of Citrus limon 

(Rutaceae); leaves, branches and stem of Ficus nymphaeifolia (Moraceae). Extracts of another 19 

species showed moderate neutralization (21-72%) at doses up to 4 mg/mouse, e.g. the whole plants 

of Aristolochia grandiflora (Aristolochiaceae), Columnea kalbreyeriana (Gesneriaceae), Sida acuta 

(Malvaceae), Selaginella articulata (Selaginellaceae) and Pseudoelephantopus spicatus (Asteraceae); 

rhizomes:of Renealmia alpinia (Zingiberaceae); the stem of Strychnos xinguensis (Loganiaceae); 

leaves, branches and stems of Hyptis capitata (Lamiaceae), Ipomoea cailica (Convolvulaceae), 

Neurolaena lobata (Asteraceae), Ocimum micranthum (Lamiaceae), Piper pulchrum (Piperaceae), 

Siparuna thecaphora (Monimiaceae), Castilla elastica (Moraceae) and Allamanda cathartica 

(Apocynaceae); the macerated ripe fruits of Capsicum frutescens (Solanaceae); the unripe fruits of 

Crescentia cujete (Bignoniaceae); leaves and branches of Piper arboreum (Piperaceae) and Passiflora 

quadrangular is (Passifloraceae). When the extracts were independently administered by oral, i.p, or 

i.v. route either before or after an i.d. venom injection (10 mug), neutralization of haemorrhage 

dropped below 25% for all the extracts. Additionally, B. rosademonte and P. percussa extracts were 

able to inhibit the proteolytic activity of B. atrox venom on casein. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland 

L t d . A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Padwa, A. and A. G. Waterson 

The thionium/n-acyliminium ion cyclization cascade as a strategy for the synthesi 

2000 

Tetrahedron 

56(52): 10159-10173 

Abstract 

A series of amidosulfoxides were prepared by the addition of thiophenol to the appropriate alkenoic 

acid pi -bond, and this was followed by reaction of the in situ generated acyl chloride with 3,4- 

dimethoxyphenethyl amine. The silicon-induced Pummerer reaction of these amidosulfoxides was 

carried out using 1-(dimethyl-tert-butylsiloxy)-1-methoxyethylene in dry acetonitrile in the presence 

of a catalytic amount of ZnI2 and led to the very clean formation of 2-thiophenyl substituted lactams. 

Iminium ion-aromatic pi -cyclization was accomplished by treatment of the initially formed 

thiophenyl lactams with BF3.2AcOH which resulted in the generation of an N-acyliminium ion. 

Cyclization of the iminium ion onto the tethered aromatic ring led to various azapolycyclic ring 

systems. A related cyclization sequence also occurred with amidosulfoxides that possess simple 

olefinic tethers. The method was applied toward the synthesis of a member of the protoberberine 

alkaloid family. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Penelle, J., M. Tits, P. Christen, J. Molgo, V. Brandt, M. Frederich and L. Angeno 

Quaternary indole alkaloids from the stem bark of Strychnos guianensis 

2000 


53(8): 1057-1066 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rafatro, H., D. Ramanitrahasimbola, P. Rasoanaivo, S. Ratsimamanga-Urverg, A. 

Reversal activity of the naturally occurring chemosensitizer malagashanine in Plas 

2000 

Biochemical Pharmacology 

59(9): 1053-1061 

Abstract 

Malagashanine (MG) is the parent compound of a new type of indole alkaloids, the NbC(21)- 

secocuran, isolated so far from the Malagasy Strychnos species traditionally used as chloroquine 

adjuvants in the treatment of chronic malaria. Previously, it was shown to have weak in vitro 

intrinsic antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 146.5 +/- 0.2 mu M), but did display marked in vitro 

chloroquine-potentiating action against the FcM29 chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium 

falciparum. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate its reversal activity. Thus, the 

previous in vitro results were tested in vivo. The interaction of MG with several antimalarials against 

various strains of P. falciparum was also assessed. As expected, MG enhanced the effect of 

chloroquine against the resistant strain W2, but had no action on the susceptible strain 3D7 and two 

sensitive isolates. interestingly, MG was found to exhibit significant chloroquine-potentiating action 

against the FcB1 strain formerly described as a resistant strain but one which has since lost its 

resistance for unknown reasons. One other relevant result that arose from our study was the 

observation of the selective enhancing action of MG on quinolines (chloroquine, quinine, and 

mefloquine), aminoacridines (quinacrine and pyronaridine), and a structurally unrelated drug 

(halofantrine), all of which are believed to exert their antimalarial effect by binding with haematin. 

MG was finally found to specifically act with chloroquine on the old trophozoite stage of the P. 

falciparum cycle. Similarities and differences between verapamil and MG reversal activity are 

b riefly presented. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rafatro, H., R. K. Verbeeck, T. Y. R. Gougnard, P. J. M. De Jonghe, P. Rasoanaiv 

Isolation from rat urine and human liver microsomes and identification by electros 

2000 

Journal of Mass Spectrometry 

35(9) : 1112-1120 

Abstract 

Malagashanine has been isolated from indigenous madagasean Strychnos myrtoides alkaloids used 

traditionally to treat malaria, This alkaloid was found to enhance the action of chloroquine against 

chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum when combined with classical antimalarial 

drugs (chloroquine, quinine), The present study was carried out in order to investigate by 

electrospray mass and tandem mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy the structure of two new 

metabolites isolated from rat urine and human liver microsomes, We were able to demonstrate the 

presence of two new metabolites of malagashanine corresponding to a malagashanine N- 

demethylated metabolite and to the oxidation of malagashanine in the alpha-position of the N-methyl 

group to produce a carbinolamine function. The latter metabolite may be subject to ring and openchain 

tautomerism effects and dimeric species were detected in the electrospray mass spectrum. 

C o p y r i g h t ( C ) 2 0 0 0 J o h n W i l e y & S o n s , L t d . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rukuni D 

Analysis of fruit traits of Strychnos cocculoides: An important indigenous fruit tre 

2000 


2: 5-7 

Abstract 

An analysis is presented of fruit traits of Strychnos cocculoides collected from 18 provenances in 

Zimbabwe. The fruits were characterized for fruit weight and diameter, weight of edible pulp, total 

weight of seed, weight and thickness of shell, number of seeds per fruit, the percent total soluble 

solids or brix, and 1000-seed weight. The ratio of the edible part of the fruit was also determined 

based on measurements of the weight of internal fruit contents and total seed weight.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Sierra, M. A. and M. C. de la Torre 

Dead ends and detours en route to total syntheses of the 1990s 

2000 

Angewandte Chemie-International Edition 

39(9): 1538-1559 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Sole, D., E. Peidro and J. Bonjoch 

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular coupling of vinyl halides and ketone enolates, 

2000 


2(15): 2225-2228 

Abstract 

[GRAPHICS] - The palladium-mediated intramolecular coupling of amino-tethered vinyl halides and 

ketone enolates is a useful methodology for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles and constitutes a 

new synthetic entry to the 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane framework, A study about the reaction 

conditions and the scope of the process is reported.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Sole, D., J. Bonjoch, S. Garcia-Rubio, E. Peidro and J. Bosch 

Enantioselective total synthesis of wieland-gumlich aldehyde and (-)-strychnine 

2000 

Chemistry- A European Journal 

6(4): 655-665 

Abstract 

A total synthesis of (-)-strychnine in 15 steps from 1,3-cyclohexanedione in 0.15% overall yield is 

described. The sequence followed in the assembling of rings is: E --> AE [2-(2-nitrophenyl)-1,3- 

cyclohexanedione] --> ACE (3a-aryloctahydroindol-4-one) --> ACDE (arylazatricyclic core) 

ABCDE (strychnan skeleton) --> ABCDEF (Wieland-Gumlich aldehyde) --> ABCDEFG 

(strychnine). The key steps of the synthesis are the enantioselective construction of the 3a-(2- 

nitrophenyl)octahydroindol-4-one ring system and the closure of the piperidine ring by a reductive 

Heck cyclization to generate the pivotal intermediate (-)-14. In contrast, a Lewis acid promoted 

alpha-alkoxy-propargylic silane-enone cyclization did not lead to synthetically useful azatricyclic 

ACDE intermediates. The introduction of C-17 and the closure of the indoline ring by reductive 

amination of the alpha-(2-nitrophenyl) ketone moiety complete the strychnan skeleton from which, 

via the Wieland-Gumlich aldehyde, the synthesis of (-)-strychnine is achieved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Tripathi, Y. B. and S. Chaurasia 

Interaction of Strychnos nux vomica-products and iron: With reference to lipid pe 

2000 

Phytomedicine 

7(6): 523-528 

Abstract 

In this paper, it has been investigated that strychnine, the major active principle in the alcoholic 

extract of the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica, is responsible for its antilipid peroxidative property. 

The mechanism of action of this drug is through the chelation of the free iron in the system. It has 

also been observed that strychnine does not have any pro-oxidant-property, because it does not 

convert Fe3+ to Fe2+ and vice versa in the reaction system, as has been observed with several other 

a n t i o x i d a n t s .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Wang, T. and J. M. Cook 

General approach for the synthesis of sarpagine/ajmaline indole alkaloids. Stereos 

2000 


2(14): 2057-2059 

Abstract 

GRAPHICS - (+)-Vellosimine has been synthesized enantiospecifically in 27% overall yield from 

commercially available D-(+)-tryptophan methyl ester via the asymmetric Pictet-Spengler reaction 

and a stereocontrolled intramolecular palladium-coupling reaction as key steps. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Wong, C. L. and I. H. Ni 

Population dynamics of the feral macaques in the Kowloon Hills of Hong Kong 

2000 

American Journal of Primatology 

50(1): 53-66 

Abstract 

Hong Kong's feral monkey population is controversial. Many people complain about the 

aggressiveness of the monkeys, while some conservationists urge the government to deal with the 

problem in a way that will not harm the monkeys. The population dynamics of the macaques in the 

Kowloon Hills were studied in 1992 and 1993. Vital statistics are provided from this study as a first 

step in resolving the problems of human provisioning and wildlife management. It is unlikely that 

these macaques are indigenous to the area. They are the descendents of macaques that were released 

in the early twentieth century to control the spread of a local poisonous plant, the strychnos, which 

contains alkaloids poisonous to livestock and humans but which is a favorite food of the macaques. 

The macaque population expanded dramatically during the 1980s. The census method employed in 

this study is direct head count and photoidentification. At the end of 1993, the estimated abundance 

was 690 (+/- 6) in eight social groups in the Kowloon Hills. Species found were rhesus (Macaca 

mulatta) 65.3%, longtailed (M. fascicularis) 2.2%, Tibetan (M. thibetana) 0.2%, and hybrids 32.3%. 

The overall home ranges occupied 2.15 km(2), resulting in a very high macaque density of 326 per 

km(2). The birth rates were 56.9% and 69.4% in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Mean adult sex ratio 

(M:F) was 1:2.2 for social groups and 1:1.6 including all peripheral males. The main mortality factor 

was road accidents and these contributed to the "missing rate" of 9.8% and 10.6% in 1992 and 1993, 

respectively. Population growth was 5.6% in 1992 and 9.8% in 1993. The estimated macaque 

population in the year 2000 will be around 1,100 if conditions remain favorable. Management 

strategies are recommended. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Yu, S., O. M. Berner and J. M. Cook 

General approach for the synthesis of indole alkaloids via the asymmetric pictet-s 

2000 


122(32): 7827-7828 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Zlotos, D. P. 

Stereochemistry of caracurine v 

2000 


63(6): 864-865 

Abstract 

The 3D structure of the Strychnos alkaloid caracurine V was determined by means of NMR 

spectroscopy and semiempirical calculations. The previously unknown absolute configuration in the 

central eight-membered ring was assigned as (16R, 16'R, 17R, and 17'R). 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Zlotos, D. P., S. Buller, C. Trankle and K. Mohr 

Bisquaternary caracurine v derivatives as allosteric modulators of ligand binding t 

2000 

Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 

10(22): 2529-2532 

Abstract 

The allosteric effect on muscarinic acetylcholine M-2 receptors of 11 bisquaternary salts of the 

Strychnos alkaloid caracurine V was determined. The effect was indicated by the concentration 

which retarded the rate of dissociation of the antagonist [H-3]-N-methylscopolamine from porcine 

cardiac cholinoceptors by a factor of 2 (EC50). The most potent compounds carry allyl and 

propargyl substituents, respectively. Introduction of more bulky substituents (e.g., benzyl groups) 

resulted in a considerably reduced allosteric potency. The wide range of EC50 Values (3 nM for R = 

allyl, 1750 nM for R = 2-naphthyl) suggests a sterically restricted binding pocket. Molecular 

modeling studies indicated that the caracurine V ring system satisfies the pharmacophore model for 

the allosteric interaction. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bennasar, M. L., J. M. Jimenez, B. Vidal, B. A. Sufi and J. Bosch 

Nucleophilic addition of 1-acetylindole enolates to pyridinium salts. Stereoselecti 

1999 


64(26): 9605-9612 

Abstract 

Addition of the enolate derived from 1-acetylindole (3) to pyridinium salt 4b followed by acidinduced 

cyclization of the resulting 1,4-dihydropyridine 5b in the presence of lithium iodide gives 

tetracyclic 3,7-methano[1,4]diazonino[1,2-alpha]indole 6b, which has subsequently been elaborated 

into the (E)-ethylidene derivative 7b. From this compound is reported a stereocontrolled route to (+/- 

)-geissoschizine, involving closure of C ring by Pummerer reaction, methanolysis of the resulting 

pentacyclic lactam 12, and desulfurization. A similar synthetic sequence starting from the enolate of 

3 and 2-fluoropyridinium salt 15b gives access to the pentacyclic dilactam 2, which had previously 

b een converted to (+/-)-akagerine through opening of the piperidone (D) ring. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Brandt, V., M. Tits, A. Geerlings, M. Frederich, J. Penelle, C. Delaude, R. Verpoo 

Beta-carboline glucoalkaloids from Strychnos mellodora 

1999 


51(8): 1171-1176 

Abstract 

Two new N-b-methylated beta-carbolinium glucoalkaloids, 3,4,5,6-tetradehydropalicoside and 

3,4,5,6-tetradehydrodolichantoside, together with the known beta-carboline compounds 

desoxycordifoline (beta-carboline 3-carboxylate glucoalkaloid) and melinonine F (N-b-methylated 

harmanium cation), were isolated from Strychnos mellodora stembark. The structures of the 

compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All 

r i g h t s r e s e r v e d .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

da Silva, T. M. S., B. A. da Silva and R. Mukherjee 

The monoterpene alkaloid cantleyine from Strychnos trinervis root and its spasmo 

1999 

Phytomedicine 

6(3): 169-176 

Abstract 

Cantleyine, a monoterpene alkaloid isolated from the root bark of Strychnos trinervis, was submitted 

to a broad spectrum pharmacological screening, in which the principal effect observed was a 

nonspecific relaxation of isolated smooth muscles. Cantleyine relaxed (IC50 2.1 x 10(-4) M) the 

guinea-pig trachea, pre-contracted by carbachol and antagonized in a nonspecific manner; carbachol 

(IC50 2.1 x 10(-4) M) and histamine (IC50 1.4 x 10(-4) M) induced contractions in the guinea-pig 

ileum; and phenylephrine (IC50 3.8 x 10(-4) M) responses in the rat aorta. Cantleyine antagonized 

(pD(2)', 3.82) cumulative concentration response curves to histamine in the ileum in a 

noncompetitive, reversible (slope, 4.84) and concentration dependent manner. The tonic contractions 

induced by histamine and KCl were also inhibited in a concentration-dependent and reversible 

manner (IC50 7.2 x 10(-5) and 1.8 x 10(-4) M, respectively), suggesting that cantleyine should be 

acting on voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. This hypothesis was confirmed by the observation that 

cantleyine inhibited (pD(2)', 3.35), in a concentration dependent manner, the CaCl2 induced 

contraction in depolarizing medium. These results suggest that cantleyine produces nonspecific 

spasmolytic effects in smooth muscle and that in guinea-pig ileum this effect is, in part, due to the 

inhibition of Ca+2 influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Dassonneville, L., K. Bonjean, M. C. De Pauw-Gillet, P. Colson, C. Houssier, J. 

Stimulation of topoisomerase ii-mediated DNA cleavage by three DNA-intercalati 

1999 

Biochemistry 

38(24): 7719-7726 

Abstract 

Cryptolepine, matadine, and serpentine are three indoloquinoline alkaloids isolated from the roots of 

African plants: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Strychnos gossweileri, and Rauwolfia serpentina 

respectively. For a long time, these alkaloids have been used in African folk medicine in the form of 

plant extracts for the treatment of multiple diseases, in particular as antimalarial drugs. To date, the 

molecular basis for their diverse biological effects remains poorly understood. To elucidate their 

mechanism of action, we studied their interaction with DNA and their effects on topoisomerase II. 

The strength and mode of binding to DNA of the three alkaloids were investigated by spectroscopy. 

The alkaloids bind tightly to DNA and behave as typical intercalating agents, All three compounds 

stabilize the topoisomerase II-DNA covalent complex and stimulate the cutting of DNA by 

topoisomerase Il. The poisoning effect is more pronounced with cryptolepine than with matadine and 

serpentine, but none of the drugs exhibit a preference for cutting at a specific base. Cryptolepine 

which binds 10-fold more tightly to DNA than the two related alkaloids proves to be much more 

cytotoxic toward B16 melanoma cells than matadine and serpentine. The cellular consequences of 

the inhibition of topoisomerase II by cryptolepine were investigated using the HL60 leukemia cell 

line. The flow cytometry analysis shows that the drug alters the cell cycle distribution, but no sign of 

drug-induced apoptosis was detected when evaluating the internucleosomal fragmentation of DNA 

in cells. Cryptolepine-treated cells probably die via necrosis rather than via apoptosis, The results 

provide evidence that DNA and topoisomerase II are the primary targets of cryptolepine, matadine, 

a n d s e r p e n t i n e .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Dassonneville, L., N. Wattez, C. Mahieu, P. Colson, C. Houssier, M. Frederich, M 

The plant alkaloid usambarensine intercalates into DNA and induces apoptosis in 

1999 

Anticancer Research 

19(6B): 5245-5250 

Abstract 

Usambarensine is a plant alkaloid isolated from the roots of Strychnos usambarensis collected in 

Central Africa. This bis-indole compound displays potent antiamoebic activities and shows 

antigardial, antimalarial and cytotoxic effects. Usamba-rensine is highly toxic to B16 melanoma 

cells and inhibits the growth of leukemia and carcinoma cells. To date the molecular basis for its 

diverse biological effects remains totally unknown. However; its capacity to inhibit nucleic acids 

synthesis in melanoma cells, on the one hand, and its structural analogy with DNA-binding 

pyridoindole plant alkaloids recently studied (cryptolepine and matadine), on the other hand, 

suggested that usambarensine could also bind to DNA. Consequently we studied the strength and 

mode of binding to DNA of usambarensine by means of absorption, circular and lineal dichroism. 

The results of the optical measurements indicate that the alkaloid effectively: binds to DNA and 

behaves as a typical intercalating agent. Biochemical experiments indicated that, in contrast to 

cryptolepine and matadine, usambarensine does not interfere with the catalytic activity of 

topoisomerase II. Human HL60 leukemia cells were risen to assess the cytotoxicity of the alkaloid 

and its effect on the cell cycle. Usambarensine treatment is associated with a loss of cells in the G1 

phase accompanied with a large increase in the sub-G1 region which is characteristic of apoptotic 

cells. The DNA of usambarensine-treated cells was severely fragmented and the proteolytic activity 

of DEVD-caspases is enhanced. Usambarensine is thus characterized as DNA intercalator inducing 

a p o p t o s i s i n l e u k e m i a c e l l s . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Frederich, M., M. P. Hayette, M. Tits, P. De Mol and L. Angenot 

In vitro activities of Strychnos alkaloids and extracts against Plasmodium falcipar 

1999 

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 

43(9): 2328-2331 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Frederich, M., M. Tits, M. P. Hayette, V. Brandt, J. Penelle, P. DeMol, G. Llabres 

10'-hydroxyusambarensine, a new antimalarial bisindole alkaloid from the roots of 

1999 


62(4): 619-621 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Furlanetto, C. and J. C. Dianese 

Some Pseudocercospora species and a new Prathigada species from the Brazilian 

1999 

Mycological Research 

103(Sep): 1203-1209 

Abstract 

Pseudocercospora bolkanii sp. nov., and P. luzardii sp. nov., were collected in the Brazilian cerrado 

on leaves of Strychnos pseudoquina, and Hancornia speciosa, respectively. Prathigada backmanii sp. 

nov., is described on leaf spots of Bowdichia virgilioides. Pseudocercospora curatellae on Curatella 

a m e r i c a n a i s i l l u s t r a t e d i n d e t a i l . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Hadden, C. E., B. D. Kaluzny, R. H. Robins and G. E. Martin 

Effects of n-oxidation on the n-15 chemical shifts in the strychnos alkaloids strych 

1999 

Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry 

37(4): 325-327 

Abstract 

The effects of N-oxidation on the N-15 chemical shifts of the Strychnos alkaloids strychnine and 

brucine are discussed. The N-15 shifts were determined using the inverse-detected, long-range 

GHMBC experiment at natural abundance. Following N-oxidation, the N-19 resonance shifted 

downfield from 35.0 ppm in strychnine to 136.3 ppm in the N-19-oxide. The N-19 resonance of 

brucine shifted downfield from 35.9 to 135.5 ppm in the N-19-oxide, Small upheld shifts were 

observed for the N-9 resonances of both N-oxides. The H-1 and C-13 shifts of both N-oxides were 

assigned using inverse-detected 2D NMR methods to ensure proper assignments of the long-range H- 

1-N-15 couplings. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

He, S. W. and V. H. Rawal 

General strategy for the synthesis of Strychnos alkaloids 

1999 

Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society 

218(Aug): U208-U209 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Julien-Laferriere, D. 

Fruit consumption, seed dispersal and seed fate in the vine Strychnos erichsonii in 

1999 

Revue D Ecologie 

54(4): 315-326 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Kizil, M., B. Patro, O. Callaghan, J. A. Murphy, H. B. Hursthouse and D. Hibbs 

Tandem radical cyclizations on iodoaryl azides: Synthesis of the core tetracycle of 

1999 


64(21): 7856-7862 

Abstract 

A new stereoselective approach to the tetracyclic core of Aspidosperma, alkaloids is described. 

Selective attack by tristrimethylsilylsilyl radicals on the aryl carbon-iodine bond of iodoaryl azides 

was first demonstrated on the simple model 15, thus both extending the recent discoveries of Kim 

and co-workers on aliphatic C-I bonds and demonstrating that the selectivity can be exploited in 

cascade radical cyclizations. Extension to the more complex substrate 25 afforded the core ABCE 

tetracyclic skeleton of the alkaloids in excellent yield and with efficient control of relative 

s t e r e o c h e m i s t r y .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Liu, H. M., J. Orjala, O. Sticher and T. Rali 

Acylated flavonol glycosides from leaves of Stenochlaena palustris 

1999 


62(1): 70-75 

Abstract 

From the leaves of Stenochlaena palustris five new O-acylated flavonol glycosides, 

stenopalustrosides A-E (1-5), have been isolated along with five known compounds, kaempferol 3-O- 

(3"-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-(6"-O-E-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol 3-O-(3",6"-di-O-Ep-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside 

(7), kaempferol 3-O-(3"-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-beta-Dglucopyranoside 

(8), kaempferol 3-O-(6"-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside(9); and 

kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (10). The structures of the isolates were elucidated by 

spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D and 2D NMR. Compounds 1-4 showed significant antibacterial 

activities against Gram-positive strains. The structural difference between the isolated antibacterial 

a n d n o n a n t i b a c t e r i a l c o m p o u n d s i s d i s c u s s e d . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Martin, M. T., P. Rasoanaivo, G. Palazzino, C. Galeffi, M. Nicoletti, F. Trigalo an 

Minor n-b,c(21)-secocuran alkaloids of Strychnos myrtoides 

1999 


51(3): 479-486 

Abstract 

From the stem bark of Strychnos myrtoides in addition to strychnobrasiline and malagashanine, four 

minor alkaloids, viz. malagashanol, 12-hydroxy-19-epi-malagashanine, myrtoidine and 11- 

demethoxymyrtoidine were isolated and their structures were established by 2-D NMR techniques. 

They belong to the series N-b,C(21)-secocuran and the two last show an additional alpha-beta 

unsaturated gamma-lactonic ring among C(18)-C(21). The biogenesis of these alkaloids is also 

discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

McGrew, W. C., L. F. Marchant, R. W. Wrangham and H. Klein 

Manual laterality in anvil use: Wild chimpanzees cracking Strychnos fruits 

1999 

Laterality 

4(1): 79-88 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ndubani, P. a. and B. Hojer 

Traditional healers and the treatment of sexually transmitted illnesses in rural Zam 

1999 


67(1): 15-25 

Abstract 

Lately there has been increasing interest regarding the practice of traditional healers and their use of 

indigenous plants to treat illnesses. Twenty-three local healers (n'ganga) in Chiawa, rural Zambia, 

were interviewed about knowledge, practices, and their use of indigenous plants in the diagnosis and 

treatment of sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) among male clients. They were also asked about 

their perceptions of modern medicine. The study revealed that all the n'ganga diagnosed and treated 

three main types of STIs. They named them as: songeya, doroba and bola-bola. They treated the 

illnesses with Strychnos cocculoides; Musa species; Solanum delegoense; Ximenia caffra; 

Diplorynchus condylocarpon; and Croton megalobotrys. Ten of the n'ganga perceived modern 

medicine to be effective against STIs and five of them sometimes referred some of the clients to the 

local health centre. It is being argued that a scheme to incorporate the n'ganga into STD control 

activities in which they can be utilised to refer clients to modern medical facilities can be baneficial. 

Given the necessary health information and support, the n'ganga may effectively execute this scheme.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Passarella, D., M. Martinelli, N. Llor, M. Amat and J. Bosch 

Biomimetic construction of the tetracyclic ring system of ngouniensine 

1999 

Tetrahedron 

55(52): 14995-15000 

Abstract 

2-Cyanotetrahydropyridine 9, bearing an indole-2-acetate moiety, was envisaged as a model 

synthetic equivalent of the dihydropyridinium cations A, which have been proposed as common 

biogenetic intermediates to both ngouniensine and Strychnos indole alkaloids. Lewis acid-promoted 

cyclization of the O-silyl ketene acetal derived from 9 led to the ngouniensine-type derivative 11. (C) 

1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Penelle, J., M. Tits, P. Christen, V. Brandt, M. Frederich and L. Angenot 

Guiaflavine, a new bisindole quaternary alkaloid from the stem bark of Strychnos 

1999 


62(6): 898-900 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ramanitrahasimbola, D., S. Ratsimamanga-Urverg, P. Rasoanaivo and A. Rakoto- 

Effects of the naturally-occurring chemosensitizer malagashanine and its combina 

1999 

Phytomedicine 

6(5): 331-334 

Abstract 

Besides the determination of its LD50 value, the cytotoxicity against KB and P388 cell lines and the 

toxicity on isolated guinea pig auricle of malagashanine and its combination with chloroquine were 

assessed. Malagashanine alone was devoid of cytotoxicity and cardiac effect on isolated auricle, and 

importantly, when combined to chloroquine, did not affect the inherent toxicity and cardiac toxicity 

o f t h i s a n t i m a l a r i a l a g e n t .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rukuni D 

Range-wide collection of Strychnos cocculoides: An important indigenous fruit tr 

1999 


1: 8-11 

Abstract 

The description, distribution and seed collection strategy of Strychnos cocculoides, an important 

indigenous fruit tree spcies in Zimbabwe, are presented. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Sinha, M. K., A. K. Sinha and S. Adhikari 

Toxic effects of alkaloid extracts of Strychnos nux vomica, Datura metel and Arg 

1999 

Journal of Environmental Biology 

20(4): 293-298 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Sole, D., J. Bonjoch, S. Garcia-Rubio, E. Peidro and J. Bosch 

Total synthesis of (-)-strychnine via the wieland-gumlich aldehyde 

1999 


38(3): 395-397 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Wells, P. B., K. E. Simons, J. A. Slipszenko, S. P. Griffiths and D. F. Ewing 

Chiral environments at alkaloid-modified platinum surfaces 

1999 

Journal of Molecular Catalysis a-Chemical 

146(1-2): 159-166 

Abstract 

Molecular environments at enantioselective sites are considered with reference to the adsorption of 

cinchonidine, epiquinidine, brucine, and oxycodone onto 6.3% Pt/silica (EUROPT-1), using the 

hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate and of butane-2,3-dione as molecular probes. The mode of action 

of cinchonidine is briefly reviewed, and the ineffectiveness of epiquinidine is interpreted. Pt 

modified by the strychnos alkaloid brucine is active for the hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate at 10 

bar pressure and 293 K giving an enantiomeric excess of up to 20% in favour of S-lactate, but is not 

enantioselective for butane-2,3-dione hydrogenation. Modelling shows chat brucine adsorbed at a 

step at a Pt surface forms a cavity which provides for the selective enantioface adsorption of methyl 

pyruvate, bur not of butane-2,3-dione, The model locates the site for alkaloid adsorption and the site 

for enantioselective hydrogenation on the same terrace of metal atoms. Pt modified by the morphine 

alkaloid oxycodone is enantioselective for the hydrogenation of both methyl pyruvate and butane-2,3- 

dione at 10 bar pressure and 293 K, the enantiomeric excess being typically 15% with respect to R- 

product in each case. Oxycodone, like brucine, appears to require a step site for adsorption but in 

this case modelling indicates that sites for alkaloid adsorption and for hydrogenation are on different 

terraces. The activity and enantioselectivity exhibited by cinchonidine-modified Pt is inhibited when 

modification and reaction are conducted under anaerobic conditions. The hypothesis that coadsorption 

of alkaloid and oxygen limits the coverage of the former and that access to 

enantioselective sites becomes possible only after removal of adsorbed-oxygen in the early stages of 

reaction is tested. Modification has been carried out under atmospheres of propyne of of buta-1,3- 

diene as co-adsorbent; the resulting catalysts show high activity and enantioselectivity after removal 

of the co-adsorbent in the early stages of pyruvate hydrogenation. Thus, optimisation of Pt catalysts 

for enantioselective reaction should rake into account both metal particle geometry and alkaloid 

concentration. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Arai, T., H. Sasai, K. Yamaguchi and M. Shibasaki 

Regioselective catalytic asymmetric reaction of horner-wadsworth-emmons reage 

1998 


120(2): 441-442 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Arend, M., B. Westermann and N. Risch 

Modern variants of the mannich reaction 

1998 


37(8): 1045-1070 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Biala, R. G., M. Tits, J. Penelle, M. Frederich, V. Brandt, C. Prosperi, G. Llabres 

Strychnochrysine, a new bisindole alkaloid from the roots of Strychnos nux vomic 

1998 


61(1): 139-141 

Abstract 

The reinvestigation of Strychnos nux-vomica resulted in the isolation of a colored monoquaternary 

bisindole alkaloid from the roots. The structure of this new orange substance, strychnochrysine (1), 

was defined by detailed spectroscopic methods. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Birman VB; Rawal VH 

A novel route to the geissoschizine skeleton: The influence of ligands on the diast 

1998 


39(40): 7219-7222 

Abstract 

A concise, novel route to the geissoschizine skeleton has been developed. The key step involves a 

Heck cyclization reaction, which was found to lead to opposite diastereomers, (+/-)-8 or (+/-)-9, 

depending on the reaction conditions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bonjoch, J., J. C. Fernandez and N. Valls 

Total syntheses of (+/-)-deethylibophyllidine using a crisscross annulation: Ring c 

1998 


63(21): 7338-7347 

Abstract 

The total synthesis of (+/-)-deethylibophyllidine (1) is described. Three different sequences provide 

this pentacyclic alkaloid using a common strategy involving a crisscross annulation. Key steps 

include (i) C/D ring cleavage of a 2-formyloctahydroindolo[2,3-a]quinolizine to obtain 

octahydroazecino[5,4-b]indoles, via either a chloroformate induced process or a quaternary 

ammonium salt formation followed by treatment with lithium, and (ii) a tandem process consisting 

of an intramolecular Pictet-Spengler double cyclization upon a beta-indole position of a 2,3- 

disubstituted indole to generate the quaternary spiro center of the pentacyclic skeleton of 

ibophyllidine alkaloids. Attempts to extend the procedure to the construction of the pentacyclic 

framework of (+/-)ibophyllidine result in very low yield. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Cai, B. C., T. S. Wang, M. Kurokawa, K. Shiraki and M. Hattori 

Cytotoxicities of alkaloids from processed and unprocessed seeds of Strychnos nu 

1998 

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 

19(5): 425-428 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Chen, X. and et al. 

Influence of processing methods on alkaloid, toxicity and effect of Strychnos nux 

1998 

China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 

23(3): 151-153 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Fletcher, R., M. Kizil, C. Lampard, J. A. Murphy and S. J. Roome 

Tetrathiafulvalene-mediated stereoselective synthesis of the tetracyclic core of asp 

1998 

Journal of the Chemical Society-Perkin Transactions 1 

(15): 2341-2351 

Abstract 

A novel route to advanced synthetic precursors of Aspidosperma alkaloids is described, utilising 

r a d i c a l - p o l a r c r o s s o v e r r e a c t i o n s . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Frederich, M., J. Quetin-Leclercq, R. G. Biala, V. Brandt, J. Penelle, M. Tits and 

3 ',4 ',5 ',6 ' tetradehydrolongicaudatine y, an anhydronium base from Strychnos us 

1998 


48(7): 1263-1266 

Abstract 

A new bisindole alkaloid, tetradehydrolongicaudatine Y, has been isolated from the stem bark of 

Strychnos usambarensis collected from the Ivory Coast. Elucidation of its structure is based mainly 

on spectroscopic studies and places it among the relatively small collection of zwitterionic 

indoloquinolizine alkaloids. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al rights reserved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Frederich, M., M. Tits and L. Angenot 

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of bisindole usambarane alkaloids in Stryc 

1998 

Phytochemical Analysis 

9(2): 63-66 

Abstract 

A high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of bisindole 

usambarane alkaloids from the roots of Strychnos usambarensis using a diode-array detector is 

proposed, The system, consisting of a RP-8 Select B column and a linear gradient elution with 

acetonitrile and acetate buffer allowed the separation of all the alkaloids in 20 min, Usambarensine 

was found to be the major tertiary alkaloid present in the roots, In order to demonstrate the 

possibility of quantifying the bisindole alkaloids in crude roots extracts, the quantitative evaluation 

of 3',4'-dihydrousambarensine, usambarensine and N-b-methylusambarensine was carried out. (C) 

1 9 9 8 J o h n W i l e y & S o n s , L t d .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Frederich, M., M. Tits and L. Angenot 

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of bisindole usambarane alkaloids in Stryc 

1998 


9(2): 63-66 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Gharagozloo, P., M. Miyauchi, B. Birdsall and N. J. M. Birdsall 

Intramolecular diels-alder reactions of 3-(tetrahydropyridinyl)indoles: Stereoselec 

1998 


63(6): 1974-1980 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Hokelek, T., H. Gunduz, S. Patir and N. Uludag 

Spiro[carbazole-1(2h),2 '-[1,3]dithiolan]-4(3h)-one 

1998 

Acta Crystallographica Section C Crystal Structure Communications 

54(Sep): 1297-1299 

Abstract 

The title compound, C14H13NOS2, consists of a carbazole skeleton and a pentacyclic dithiolane 

ring bonded at position 1. The heteroatoms in the molecule are responsible for the changes in the 

b o n d l e n g t h s a n d a n g l e s o f t h e c a r b a z o l e c o r e .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Jeyaraj, T., S. Deepa and A. C. Hary 

Water quality improvement using Strychnos potatorum nuts 

1998 

Indian Journal of Environmental Protection 

18(3): 211-214 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Kuehne, M. E., U. K. Bandarage, A. Hammach, Y. L. Li and T. Wang 

Application of ferrocenylalkyl chiral auxiliaries to syntheses of indolenine alkaloi 

1998 


63(7): 2172-2183 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Liu, X. and W. Li 

Chemical constituents from maqianzi (Sstrychnos nux vomica) 

1998 

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs 

29(7): 435-437 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Miao, P., D. C. Cai, B. R. Xiang, D. K. An and Y. Ito 

Separation and purification of strychnine from crude extract of Strychnos nux-vo 

1998 

Journal of Liquid Chromatography and Related Technologies 

21(1/2): 163-170 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Padwa, A. and A. T. Price 

Synthesis of the pentacyclic skeleton of the aspidosperma alkaloids using rhodium 

1998 


63(3): 556-565 

Abstract 

A series of diazo amido keto esters prepared from N-alkenyl-substituted 3-carbalkoxy-2-piperidone 

derivatives was treated with rhodium(II) acetate. Attack of the amido carbonyl oxygen at the 

resultant rhodium carbenoid center produced a transient push-pull carbonyl ylide dipole which 

underwent an intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition reaction. A related annulation sequence was used 

to prepare the pentacyclic skeleton of the aspidosperma family of alkaloids. Synthesis of the required 

diazo imide was carried out from 3-carboxy-3-ethyl-2-piperidone and N-methyl-3-indoleacetic acid. 

Treatment of the diazo imide with rhodium(II) acetate afforded a transient 1,3-dipole which 

subsequently underwent cycloaddition across the indole pi-bond. The resulting cycloadduct is the 

consequence of endo cycloaddition with respect to the dipole which is fully in accord with the 

lowest energy transition state. The cycloadduct was converted in three steps into desacetoxy-4-oxo- 

6,7-dihydrovindorosine. The stereochemistry of the final product was established by a X-ray 

c r y s t a l l o g r a p h i c s t u d y . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Shibasaki, M., A. Kojima and S. Shimizu 

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of natural products with heterocyclic rings 

1998 


35(5): 1057-1064 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Shibasaki, M., T. Iida and Y. M. A. Yamada 

Development of multifunctional asymmetric catalysts and their application to prac 

1998 

Journal of Synthetic Organic Chemistry Japan 

56(5): 344-356 

Abstract 

This article focuses on a new concept in catalytic asymmetric synthesis, which was first realized by 

the use of heterobimetallic complexes. As such complexes function at the same time as both a Lewis 

acid and a Bronsted base, similar to enzymes, they make possible a variety of efficient catalytic 

asymmetric reactions. This "heterobimetallic" concept has proven to be applicable to a variety of 

new asymmetric catalyses. We have already succeeded in asymmetric nitroaldol reactions catalyzed 

by the LaLi(3)tris (binaphthoxide) complex (LLB) and asymmetric Michael reactions catalyzed by 

the LaNa(3)tris (binaphthoxide) complex (LSB). Now the LLB catalyst could also be applied 

efficiently to the tandem inter-intramolecular asymmetric nitroaldol reaction, affording a 

synthetically useful bicyclic product with four newly generated chiral carbons in one pot. 

Furthermore we succeeded in the first direct asymmetric aldol reactions of aldehydes with 

unmodified ketones (up to 94% ee) by using a catalytic amount of LLB. While LLB was also 

effective in the hydrophosphonylation of aldehydes, asymmetric hydrophosphonylations of imines 

were efficiently catalyzed by the LnK(3)tris (binaphthoxide) complex (LnPB:Ln=rare earth metal 

such as La, Yb) (up to 96% ee). On the other hand, alkali metal free lanthanum complexes prepared 

from Ln(O-i-Pr)(3) (Ln=La or Yb) and 1,1'-binaphthol (BINOL) or 3-hydroxymethyl-BINOL were 

excellent catalysts for the asymmetric epoxidation of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones (up to 94% eel. 

We also developed another type of heterobimetallic catalysts featuring group 13 elements such as Al 

or Ga as a central metal. Among them, the AlLibis(binaphthoxide) complex (ALB) is an effective 

catalyst for asymmetric Michael reactions of malonates or Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reagents (up 

to 99% ee) and for asymmetric tandem Michael-aldol reactions. Applications bi this catalyst to 

syntheses of biologically important compounds such as 11-deoxy-PGF(1 alpha) and tubifolidine are 

also described. Furthermore the GaLibis (binaphthoxide) complex (GaLB) in combination with 

molecular sieves 4 A was found to be an efficient catalyst for asymmetric ring openings of a variety 

o f e p o x i d e s w i t h t - B u S H ( u p t o 9 7 % e e ) . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Shimizu, S., K. Ohori, T. Arai, H. Sasai and M. Shibasaki 

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of tubifolidine 

1998 


63(21): 7547-7551 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Shin K; Moriya M; Ogasawara K 

Enantio- and diastereocontrolled synthesis of (-)-19(s)-acetoxy-n-1-acetyl-20-epit 

1998 


39(22): 3765-3768 

Abstract 

An enantiocontrolled route to the 19-oxygenated pentacyclic Strychnos alkaloids has been 

demonstrated by the stereoselective synthesis of (-)-19(S)-acetoxy-N-1-acetyl-20-epitubifolidine. (C) 

1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Visen, P. K. S., B. Saraswat, K. Raj, A. P. Bhaduri and M. P. Dubey 

Prevention of galactosamine-induced hepatic damage by the natural product logan 

1998 

Phytotherapy Research 

12(6): 405-408 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Zhang, Z. and et al. 

Determination of strychnine and brucine in poisonnut (Strychnos nux vomica) and 

1998 

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs 

29(4): 236-237 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Amat M: Hadida S; Pshenichnyi G; Bosch J 

Palladium(0)-catalyzed heteroarylation of 2- and 3-indolylzinc derivatives. An effi 

1997 


62(10): 3158-3175 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Amat M; Coll MD; Bosch J; Espinosa E; Molins E 

Total syntheses of the Strychnos indole alkaloids (-)-tubifoline, (-)-tubifolidine, an 

1997 

Tetrahedron Asymmetry 

8(6): 935-948 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Bandopadhyay J; De B 

Seasonal variation of strychnine and brucine in vegetative parts of Strychnos nux- 

1997 

International Journal of Pharmacognosy 

35(5): 349-353 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Bian J; Cai DG; Liu ZL (et al) 

Study on extraction of strychnine from Strychnos piersiana a. W. Hill by co~2-sfe 

1997 

Chinese Journal of Pharmaceuticals 

28(1): 5-7 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bonjoch J; Sole D; Cuesta X 

Synthesis and conformational analysis of cis-3a-(o-nitrophenyl)octahydroindol-4- 

1997 

Heterocycles 

45(2): 315-322 

Abstract 

The preparation of 1-methyl-3a-(o-nitrophenyl)octahydroindol-4-ol derivatives from 2-allyl-2-(onitrophenyl)-1,3-cyclohexan 

(1) and the preferred conformation of the azabicyclic ring system of 

t h e s e c o m p o u n d s a r e r e p o r t e d .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bonjoch J; Sole D; Garcia Rubio S; Bosch J 

A general synthetic entry to strychnos alkaloids of the curan type via a common 3 

1997 


119(31): 7230-7240 

Abstract 

A general strategy for the synthesis of pentacyclic Strychnos alkaloids with the curan skeleton has 

been developed. It utilizes 3a-(2-nitrophenyl)hexahydroindol-4-one (23), which was prepared from 2- 

alkyl-2-(2-nitrophenyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione (15), as the common, pivotal intermediate. Three 

different procedures have been employed for the closure of the bridged piperidine D ring from 23: (i) 

an intramolecular Michael-type conjugate addition; (ii) a Ni(COD)(2)-promoted biscyclization that 

assembles B and D rings in a single synthetic step, and (iii) an intramolecular cyclization of an 

enone-propargylic silane system. when necessary, depending on the procedure used, introduction of 

the oxidized one-carbon substituent at C-16, closure of the indole ring, and/or adjustment of the 

functionality of the C-20 two-carbon chain constitute the last stages of the synthetic route to the title 

alkaloids. The procedure involving the cyclization of a propargylic silane has been successfully 

extended to the enantiospecific synthesis of (-)-tubifolidine starting from the enantiopure 3a-(2- 

nitrophenyl)hexahydroindolone (-)-51, which was prepared taking advantage of the prochiral 

c h a r a c t e r o f c y c l o h e x a n e d i o n e 1 5 . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

DeLaude C; DeLaude L 

African Strychnos alkaloids 

1997 

Bulletin Societe Royale Des Sciences De Liege 

66(4): 183-286 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Gu Z; Li T; Xiao O; Chen J; Lian W 

Studies on the chemical constituents of Strychnos nitida G Don 

1997 

Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi 

22(1): 40-41 

Abstract 

Six compounds were isolated from the root and stem of Strychnos nitida for the first time. On the 

basis of chemical properties and spectral data, the compounds were identified as beta-sitosterol, 

strychnine, brucine, cantieyine, lignoceric acid and palmitic acid. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Gu ZP; Zhang SM; Wang CL; Lian WY; Xiao PG; Chen JM 

Determarion of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos by HPLC 

1997 

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 

32(10): 791-794 

Abstract 

The determination of strychnine and brucine by HPLC is described and its application to the seeds, 

roots, stems and leaves of 10 Strychnos species from various parts of China is reported. The 

analytical column used was ZY110 YNG-C18. The mobile phase was (0.01 m KH2PO4):MeOH 

(73:27), at pH 2.5 regulated by 10% H3PO4. Flow rate was 1.0 ml/min. The detection wavelength 

was 264 nm. The linear range was 0.18-7.26 micro g for strychnine and 0.11-4.32 micro g for 

brucine. The recoveries of strychnine and brucine were 98.27% and 98.04%, respectively. Results 

showed that strychnine and brucine contents exhibited great differences between samples from 

different species. The contents of strychnine in the seeds of Strychnos wallichiana and S. ignatii 

were 5.6% and 3.9%, respectively, showing that these 2 Strychnos species could be developed as 

s o u r c e s o f s t r y c h n i n e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Kuehne, M. E. and F. Xu 

Syntheses of strychnan- and aspidospermatan-type alkaloids. 9. The enantioselecti 

1997 


62(23): 7950-7960 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Mapaure, I. 

A floristic classification of the vegetation of a forest-savanna boundary in southea 

1997 

Bothalia 

27(2): 185-193 

Abstract 

The vegetation of Chirinda Forest boundary was classified into eight types using Two-way Indicator 

Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). The moist forest 

comprises three types: Strychnos mellodora-Chrysophyllum gorungosanum Forest on deep dolerite 

soils; Chrysopllyllum gorungosanum-Myrianthus holstii Forest on shallow dolerite soils; and Teclea 

nobilis-Ehretia cymosa Forest on drier, but deep dolerite soils. The non-forest vegetation comprises 

five types: Themeda triandra Grassland on shallow dolerite soils; Psidium guajava Bushland on 

sandstone; Bridelia micrantha-Harunguna madagascariensis Mixed Woodland not restricted to any 

one particular soil type; Acacia karroo-Heteropyxis dehniae Woodland on shallow soils derived from 

sandstone but sometimes on dolerite; and Julbernardia globiflora-Brachystegia spiciformis 

( M i o m b o ) W o o d l a n d o n s a n d s t o n e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Martin, S. F. 

General strategies for the stereoselective synthesis of alkaloid natural products 

1997 

Pure and Applied Chemistry 

69(3): 571-576 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Montgomery, J., M. V. Chevliakov and H. L. Brielmann 

Nickel-catalyzed heterocycle construction with stereoselective exocyclic alkene in 

1997 

Tetrahedron 

53(48): 16449-16462 

Abstract 

A series of monocyclic and bicyclic heterocycles with exocyclic alkenes were constructed in a 

stereoselective fashion by an organozinc/Ni(COD)(2)-mediated cyclization of alkynyl enones. Both 

reductive and alkylative cyclization manifolds were accessible depending on the ligand and 

organozinc structure. Alkylative cyclizations were generally more efficient than reductive 

cyclizations, particularly with cyclic substrates. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Mukherjee, R., T. M. S. daSilva, J. B. L. Guimaraes, E. D. Oliveira, P. A. Keifer a 

Tertiary alkaloid fraction of strychnos atlantica: Confirmation of the identity and s 

1997 


8(3): 115-119 

Abstract 

The identity and structures of the three main tertiary indole alkaloids of Strychnos atlantica were 

confirmed and verified by high held nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Complete H- 

1 and C-13 NMR spectral assignments were obtained. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Ohba M; Kubo H; Fujii T; Ishibashi H; Sargent MV; Arbain D 

Synthesis and absolute configuration of (-)-normalindine 

1997 


38(38): 6697-6700 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Okada, K., K. Murakami and H. Tanino 

Asymmetric synthesis of the pentacyclic ring system of aspidosperma alkaloids 

1997 

Tetrahedron 

53(42): 14247-14254 

Abstract 

The asymmetric synthesis of pentacyclic compound 1 3, a known intermediate in the synthesis of 1- 

acetylaspidospermidine, was conducted via the condensation of 2-hydroxytryptamine with chiral C9 

lactone 9, readily available from triol 4. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Patir, S., G. Okay, A. Gulce, B. Salih and T. Hokelek 

Intermediates for the synthesis of tetracyclic indole alkaloids. Synthesis of 4-amin 

1997 


34(4): 1239-1242 

Abstract 

An efficient method for the synthesis of 4-aminotetrahydrocarbazole derivatives from 2,3- 

dihydrospiro-[1H-carbazole-1,2'-(1,3)-dithiolan]-4-(9H)-one 1 is described. The structure of 

compound 6 has been confirmed by X-ray structure analysis. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Saxton, J. E. 

Recent progress in the chemistry of the monoterpenoid indole alkaloids 

1997 

Natural Product Reports 

14(6): 559-590 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Thepenier, P., M. J. Jacquier, G. Massiot, L. Le Men-Olivier and C. Delaude 

Alcaloiedes de Strychnos zenkeri 

1997 


66(5): 341-344 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Zhou, G., N. Liu, X. Sun and et al. 

Determination of strychnine content in the seeds of Strychnos nux vomica by silia 

1997 

Chinese Pharmaceutical Journal 

32(9): 553-558 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Amat, M., M. D. Coll, D. Passarella and J. Bosch 

An enantioselective synthesis of the Strychnos alkaloid (-)-tubifoline 

1996 

Tetrahedron Asymmetry 

7(10): 2775-2778 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bennasar, M. L., E. Zulaica, A. Ramirez and J. Bosch 

Synthetic efforts toward akuammiline alkaloids from tetracyclic 6,7-seco derivativ 

1996 


61(4): 1239-1251 

Abstract 

The addition of enolates derived from indole-3-acetic esters 1-3 to pyridinium salts 4, 23, and 24, 

followed by acid cyclization of the resulting 1,4-dihydropyridines, leads to tetrahydro-1,5- 

methanoazocino[3,4-b]indoles 5-7, 25-27, which have been subsequently elaborated into 4Eethylidene(or 

4 alpha-ethyl)-hexahydro-1,5-methanoazocino[3,4-b]indoles. Closure of the sixmembered 

C ring of akuammiline alkaloids by formation of C-6/C-7 bond from appropriately N-(b)- 

substituted derivatives of these tetracyclic ABDE substructures has been extensively investigated. In 

the N-unsubstituted indole series, both cyclization of thionium ions generated either by Pummerer 

reaction from sulfoxide 16 or by DMTSF treatment of dithioacetal 36 and photocyclization of 

chloroacetamide 47 occur upon the indole nitrogen to give pentacycles 18, 38, and 49, respectively. 

When the indole nitrogen is blocked by a substituent, the thionium ions derived from sulfoxides 17 

and 43 and dithioacetals 37 and 44 do not cyclize and lead to different products depending on the 

reaction conditions, whereas chloroacetamides 48 and 51 undergo a reductive photodehalogenation. 

Attempted radical cyclization of seleno derivatives 53, 55, and 56 under a variety of conditions gives 

the corresponding reduced products. Finally, attempted photoisomerization of 1-acylindole 62 leads 

t o t h e N - ( b ) - m e t h y l t e t r a c y c l e 6 3 . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bonjean, K. A. P. M., M. C. A. J. dePauwGillet, J. QuetinLeclercq, L. Angenot an 

In vitro cytotoxic activity of two potential anticancer drugs isolated from Strychno 

1996 

Anticancer Research 

16(3A): 1129-1137 

Abstract 

The cytotoxicity and the selective antiprotozoal activity of some Strychnos alkaloids, namely 

strychnopentamine (SP) and usambarensine (US) (7) led us to analyze and compare their effects with 

emetine (EM) by using mouse B16 melanoma cells cultivated in vitro. We observed by cytological 

analysis and proliferation rate studies that these substances induce analogous cytotoxic effects in 

B16 cells, but at different concentrations i.e. formation of lamellar bodies in the cytoplasm, the 

which contain pre-melanosomes in the case of SP and US, vacuoles and blebs. At concentrations 

near their respective IC50, SP and US, but not EM, decreased colony formation. We showed by 

incorporation of labelled precursors that SP and US first inhibit RNA synthesis while EM initially 

acts on protein synthesis. These alkaloids increased melanin synthesis. Furthermore, only EM and 

SP caused hemolysis of sheep red blood corpuscles. This could explain why the rate of 

antiplasmodial activity is higher for SP and EM.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bonjoch, J., J. Catena and N. Valls 

Total synthesis of (+/-)-deethylibophyllidine: Studies of a fischer indolization rout 

1996 


61(20): 7106-7115 

Abstract 

The total synthesis of (+/-)-deethylibophyllidine is described, proceeding in eight steps from 4- 

(methoxyphenyl)ethylamine in 5% overall yield (Scheme 6). In terms of sequential annulation, the 

strategy involves the following operations: E --> DE --> ABDE --> ABCDE (Scheme 1). The key 

steps in the synthesis are the stereoselective formation of octahydroindol-6-ones by acid treatment of 

dihydroanisole derivatives, the regioselective Fischer indolization to obtain octahydropyrrolo-[3,2- 

c]carbazoles, and the tandem process consisting of Pummerer rearrangement upon a beta-amino 

sulfoxide and thionium ion cyclization upon a beta-indole position of a 2,3-disubstituted indole to 

generate the quaternary spiro center. Attempts to effect the construction of the pentacyclic 

framework by means of Fischer indolization of the octahydropyrrolo[3,2,1-hi]indol-6-one resulted in 

f a i l u r e ( S c h e m e 2 ) . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Bosch, J., J. Bonjoch and M. Amat 

The Strychnos alkaloids 

1996 

Alkaloids 

48: 75-189 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Bosch, J., M. L. Bennasar and M. Amat 

A general method for the synthesis of bridged indole alkaloids 

1996 


68(3): 557-560 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Cai, B. C., T. Nagasawa, S. Kadota, M. Hattori, T. Namba and Y. Kuraishi 

Processing of nux vomica .7. Antinociceptive effects of crude alkaloids from the p 

1996 

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 

19(1): 127-131 

Abstract 

We examined the antinociceptive effects of the crude alkaloid fractions (CAF) of nux vomica (the 

dried seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica L.) and the influences of various processing methods upon 

their antinociception in three analgesic tests in mice, In the tail-pressure test, the CAF (0.01-1 mu 

g/kg, i.p.) of nux vomica that was unprocessed or treated with sand-, licorice-, oil- or vinegar and 

sand-processing showed clear antinociception. The CAF (1 mu g/kg, i.p.) of vinegar-processed nux 

vomica showed antinociception, without effects at lower doses of 0.01 and 0.1 mu g/kg and those 

treated with urine- or urine and sand-processing were without effects at doses of 0.01-1 mu g/kg. 

Morphine (2 mg/kg, s.c.) showed short-lasting antinociception, without effects at a dose of 1 mu 

g/kg. In the hot-plate test, the CAF (100 mu g/kg, i.p.) of nux vomica having undergone sandprocessing 

produced a significant antinociception, without effects at lower doses of 0.01 and 1 mu 

g/kg. The CAF (0.01-100 mu g/kg, i.p.) of nux vomica that was unprocessed or treated with oil- or 

vinegar and sand-processing and morphine (1 and 100 mu g/kg, s.c.) were without effects. In the 

acetic acid-induced writhing test, the CAF (1 mu g/kg, i.p.) of nux vomica that was treated with sandprocessing 

significantly inhibited the writhing behavior, while those of nux vomica that was 

unprocessed or treated with oil- or vinegar and sand-processing and morphine were without effects 

at a dose of 1 mu g/kg. The present results demonstrate the antinociceptive effects of the CAF of nux 

vomica and suggest that sand-processing is good for the analgesic potency of nux vomica. It is also 

suggested that the CAF of nux vomica has distinct antinociceptive potency, even after treatment with 

l i c o r i c e - , o i l - , v i n e g a r a n d s a n d - p r o c e s s i n g . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Fletcher, R. J., D. E. Hibbs, M. Hursthouse, C. Lampard, J. A. Murphy and S. J. R 

Stereocontrolled synthesis of complex polycycles using tetrathiafulvalene mediate 

1996 

Chemical Communications 

(6): 739-740 

Abstract 

Tetracyclic heterocycles are prepared in a stereocontrolled manner using radical-polar crossover 

c h e m i s t r y .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Forns, P., A. Diez and M. Rubiralta 

Synthetic applications of 2-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)indoles .7. Synthesis of aspidospermi 

1996 


61(22): 7882-7888 

Abstract 

A new method of synthesizing the alkaloid aspidospermidine (1), based on building ring E on the 

pyridocarbazole [ABCD] ring structure, is reported. The preparation of the pyridocarbazole 

framework of Aspidosperma alkaloids is a new three-step synthetic application of 2-(1,3-dithian-2- 

yl)indoles. A tandem conjugate addition-alkylation reaction starting from indolyldithiane (4), 3- 

methylenelactam 8, and EtI yields the adduct 17. Treatment of lactam 17 with DIBALH leads to 

formation of the naphthyridoindole 18. Compound 18 isomerizes in aqueous AcOH to yield 

pyridocarbazole 3. Finally, closure of ring E and subsequent reduction of the dithiane ring produces 

aspidospermidine. Pyridocarbazoles 2 and 10 were prepared as models. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ho, L. M., I. Cheong and H. A. Jalil 

Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure following blowpipe cart poisoning 

1996 

Nephron 

72(4): 676-678 

Abstract 

The latex of pokok ipoh (Antiaris toxocaria) and the root bark of akar ipoh (Strychnos species) have 

been the main sources of the poisonous principles in dart and arrow poisons prepared throughout 

south-east Asia. We report a fatal case of rhabdomyolysis and acute oliguric renal failure following 

oral ingestion of blowpipe dart poison. To our knowledge this is the first such report.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ishibashi, H. and M. Ikeda 

Recent progress in electrophilic aromatic substitution with alpha-thiocarbocations 

1996 

Reviews on Heteroatom Chemistry 

14: 59-82 

Abstract 

This review summarizes the recent work on electrophilic aromatic substitution with alphathiocarbocations. 

Emphasis has been made on the structural modification and variation of the 

reaction conditions of alpha-chlorosulfides or sulfoxides to accomplish the reactions. The literature 

from 1991 to January 1996 are covered in this review. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Kuehne, M. E., T. S. Wang and D. Seraphin 

Syntheses of strychnos and aspidospermatan-type alkaloids .8. Selective total synt 

1996 


61(22): 7873-7881 

Abstract 

Mossambine (6) was obtained by a six-step reaction sequence from the indoloazepine ester 7. 

Radical cyclization of the tetracyclic vinyl iodide 12a provided a racemic pentacyclic ketone 16E, 

which could be converted to either enantiomer by condensation with (S or R)-N,S-dimethyl-Sphenylsulfoximine 

and selective pyrolysis of the resulting diastereomeric alcohols 18 and 19 or 20 

and 21. Selective reductions of the resolved (or racemic) ketone 16E provided mossambine (6) and 

i t s h y d r o x y e p i m e r 1 7 . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Martin, S. F., C. W. Clark, M. Ito and M. Mortimore 

A biomimetic approach to the Strychnos alkaloids. A novel, concise synthesis of ( 

1996 


118(40): 9804-9805 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Mavar-Manga, H., J. Quetin-Leclercq, G. Llabres, M. L. Belem-Pinheiro, A. F. Im 

9-methoxygeissoschizol, an alkaloid from bark of Strychnos guianensis 

1996 


43(5): 1125-1127 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Mukaiyama, T., I. Shiina, H. Iwadare, M. Saitoh, K. Nishimura, T. Nishimura, N. 

An asymmetric synthesis of the bc ring system of 8-epitaxoids by way of intramol 

1996 

Chemistry Letters 

(6): 483-484 

Abstract 

Optically active 1 alpha-allyl-1 beta,11 beta-benzylidenedioxy-2 alpha,10 beta-bis(benzyloxy)-7 

beta,9 beta-isopropylidenedioxy-8 alpha,12,12-trimethyl-4-methylenebicyclo[6.4.0]dodecane (2)(1) 

which corresponds to BC ring system of 8-epitaxoids was prepared in high yield from ketoaldehyde 

8 via intramolecular aldol cyclization and successive stereoselective methylation reactions. The 

ketoaldehyde 8 was synthesized from 8-membered ring compound 3 by stereoselective Michael 

a d d i t i o n u s i n g h i g h e r - o r d e r c u p r a t e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Nuzillard, J. M., P. Thepenier, M. J. Jacquier, G. Massiot, L. Le Men-Olivier and 

Alkaloids from root bark of Strychnos panganensis 

1996 


43(4): 897-902 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Oliveira, E. J., I. A. Medeiros and R. Mukherjee 

Hypotensive and spasmolytic effects of normacusine b from Strychnos atlantica ro 

1996 

Phytomedicine 

3(1): 45-49 

Abstract 

Normacusine B, a tertiary indole alkaloid, was isolated in pure form from the root bark of Strychnos 

atlantica Krukoff & Barneby. In conscious unrestrained rats, normacusine B (1 mg/kg) decreased the 

mean arterial blood pressure (27.6 +/- 8.4 mmHg, n = 6), followed by a significant increase in heart 

rate (115.0 +/- 12.7 bpm, n = 6). The alkaloid failed to induce tachycardia directly in isolated 

perfused rat heart. In isolated rat aortic rings, normacusine B antagonized phenylephrine and 

serotonin-induced contractions. Schild plot analysis of individual cumulative concentration-response 

curves was compatible with a competitive type of antagonism against phenylephrine (pA(2) = 7.05 

+/- 0.11) and of a non-competitive nature against 5-hydroxytryptamine (apparent pA(2) = 7.02 - 

0.08). Normacusine B was found inactive against KCl and PGF(2 alpha) induced contractions. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Passarella, D., S. Sathyanarayana, M. Amat and J. Bosch 

Studies on the synthesis of Strychnos alkaloids 

1996 

Natural Product Letters 

8(1): 75-82 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Patir, S., P. Rosenmund and P. H. Goetz 

A new synthetic route to the tetracyclic framework of strychnos alkaloids via intra 

1996 

Heterocycles 

43(1): 15-22 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rasoanaivo, P., C. Galeffi, G. Palazzino and M. Nicoletti 

Revised structure of malagashanine: A new series of n-b,c(21)-secocuran alkaloid 

1996 

Gazzetta Chimica Italiana 

126(8) 517-519 

Abstract 

The structure of malagashanine previously assigned as a N-b,C(3)-secocuran alkaloid is indeed a 

new type of N-b,C(21)-secocuran alkaloid. The structure of a minor related alkaloid, 12- 

h y d r o x y m a l a g a s h a n i n e , i s a l s o r e p o r t e d . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Rasoanaivo, P., S. Ratsimamanga-Urverg and F. Frappier 

Recent results on the pharmacodynamics of alkaloids from strychnos in madagasc 

1996 

Cahiers Sante 

6(4): 249-253 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Saxton, J. E. 


1996 


13(4) 327-363 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Sole D: Bosch J; Bonjoch J 

3a-(o-nitrophenyl)octahydroindol-4-ones: Synthesis and spectroscopic analysis 

1996 

Tetrahedron 

52(11): 4013-4028 

Abstract 

A short entry to 3a-(o-nitrophenyl)octahydroindol-4-ones employing ozonolysis and double 

reductive amination of 2-allyl-2-(o-nitrophenyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione (9) is described. The 

symmetric dione 9 is synthesized in a 50% overall yield from 1,3-cyclohexanedione by means of o- 

nitroarylation followed by O-allylation and subsequent Claisen rearrangement. Configurational and 

conformational aspects of azabicyclic derivatives 1 (a-k) are discussed. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Sole D; Bonjoch J; Bosch J 

Total synthesis of the Strychnos alkaloids (+/-)-akuammicine and (+/-)-norfluoroc 

1996 


61(13): 4194-4195 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Sole D; Bonjoch J; GarciaRubio S; Suriol R; Bosch J 

A new solution for the construction of the piperidine ring of Strychnos alkaloids fr 

1996 


37(29): 5213-5216 

Abstract 

Alkylation of cis-3a-(o-nitrophenyl)hexahydroindol-4-one 1 with 1-iodo-4-(trimethylsilyl)-2-butyne 

followed by BF3 . Et(2)O-promoted cyclization of the resulting propargylic silane 2 afforded the 

tricyclic vinylidene ketone 3, which was further converted to the Strychnos alkaloids tubifolidine, 

19,20-dihydroakuammicine, and akuammicine. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Sole D; GarciaRubio S; Bosch J; Bonjoch J 

Synthesis and reactivity of a 3-vinylidenepiperidine as a model study of alpha-alle 

1996 

Heterocycles 

43(11): 2415-2424 

Abstract 

4-Acetonyl-1-benzyl-3-vinylidenepiperidine (8), prepared by cyclization of propargylic silane (7), 

was used as a model to study the usefulness of the allene moiety as a precursor of the two-carbon 

chain present in the piperidine ring of Strychnos alkaloids. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Thepenier P; Jacquier MJ; Nuzillard JM; Massiot G; Le Men-Olivier L; Delaude 

Alkaloids from the seeds of Strychnos pungens 

1996 


65(6): 379-382 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Thepenier P; Jacquier MJ; Nuzillard JM; Massiot G; Le Men-Olivier L; Delaude 

Strychnos xantha alkaloids 

1996 


65(6): 383-386 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Tits M; Brandt V; Wauters JN; Delaude C; Llabres G; Angenot L 

Glucoindole alkaloids from stem bark of Strychnos mellodora 

1996 

Planta Medica 

62(1): 73 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Tripathi YB; Chaurasia S 

Studies on the inhibitory effect of Strychnos nux vomica-alcohol extract on iron in 

1996 

Phytomedicine 

3(2): 175-180 

Abstract 

This report investigates the antioxidant property of Strychnos nux vomica Linn. alcohol extract on 

FeSO4-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro. The results have been compared to those of vitamin E, 

parabenzoquinone, Tris, mannitol and EDTA. Tris and mannitol, the standard hydroxyl trappers 

failed to block this process. Interestingly EDTA, a strong metal chelator, significantly blocks the 

process of lipid peroxidation. S. nux vomica inhibits the lipid peroxidation in the dose dependent 

manner. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was reversed by adding high concentration of Fe2+. 

This suggests the mechanism of action of S. nux vomica through the chelation of Fe++/Fe+++ ion in 

the system and not by trapping the hydroxyl radicals. This extract significantly maintains the hepatic 

glutathione content also in the time and dose dependent manner even in the presence of FeSO4, 

which is not the case with EDTA. It also inhibits the process of lipid peroxidation once induced. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Tripathi YB; Chaurasia S 

Effect of Strychnos nux vomica alcohol extract on lipid peroxidation in rat liver 

1996 

International Journal of Pharmacognosy 

344): 295-299 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Wright CW; Phillipson JD; Awe SO; Kirby GC Warhurst DC; QuetinLeclercq J; 

Antimalarial activity of cryptolepine and some other anhydronium bases 

1996 


10(4): 361-363 

Abstract 

Eight naturally occurring anhydronium bases and the synthetic quaternary compound Nbmethylharmalane 

were tested against Plasmodium falciparum (strain K1) in vitro. Cryptolepine was 

found to have similar activity to that of chloroquine but alstonine, 5,6-dihydroflavopereirine, 

matadine, Nb-methylharmalanae, melinonine F, normelinonine F, strychnoxanthine and serpentine 

were found to have little activity. Cryptolepine, given orally to mice infected with Plasmodium 

berghei berghei was found to have moderate antimalarial activity; parasitaemia was suppressed by 

8 0 % a t 5 0 m g / k g / d a y . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Yamada H; Minematsu Y; Nakamura T; Mise M; Fujisaki H; Oguri K 

Brucine as a potent inducer of cyp2b3, the third member of the cyp2b subfamily p 

1996 

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 

19(2): 291-293 

Abstract 

We have indicated that strychnine and brucine induce concurrently an unknown p450 (2B-UP) 

which cross-reacts with anti-CYP2B1 antibody (Fujisaki et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 268, 1024- 

1031, 1994). We purified ZB-UP from brucine-treated rats and characterized it in this study. The 

purification was achieved by solubilization with sodium cholate followed by successive 

chromatographic steps with omega-aminoctyl-Sepharose 4B, DEAE-Sephacel and hydroxyapatite. 

The minimum molecular weight of purified 2B-UP was calculated to be 48000 by sodium dodecyl 

sulfate-gel electrophoresis. This preparation showed no Soret peak in the ultraviolet absorption 

spectrum indicating absence of heme. The amino terminal sequence of ZB-UP up to the 10th residue 

was consistent with the deduced amino acid sequence of CYP2B3 cDNA, but did not agree with the 

sequences of CYP2B1/2. The result strongly suggests that ZB-UP is CYP2B3. Thus, we indicated 

here that Strychnos alkaloid, brucine, is a potent inducer of the CYP2B3 or the closely related P450.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ahmad, S. K. and J. S. Prasad 

Efficacy of foliar extracts against preharvest and postharvest diseases of sponge-g 

1995 

Letters in Applied Microbiology 

21(6): 373-375 

Abstract 

The inhibitory potential of aqueous foliar extracts of Adhatoda vasica, Azadirachta indica, 

Catharanthes roseus, Datura fistulosa, Lantana camara, Muraya exotica, Ocimum sanctum, Ricinus 

communis and Strychnos nux-vomica were evaluated against soft rot diseases of sponge-gourd fruits 

caused by Helminthosporium spiciferum and Fusarium scirpi. Conidial germination of F. scirpi and 

H. spiciferum were reduced to about 75% when their spores were treated with A. indica, C. roseus, 

D. fistulosa, L. camara, M. exotica and O. sanctum. Considerable reductions (50%) in mycelial dry 

weights and colony diameters were recorded in liquid media containing (20%) aqueous extracts of 

C, roseus, D. fistulosa and M, exotica. Other extracts reduced the mycelial growth but to a lesser 

extent. Post-infection treatment of sponge-gourd fruits with the extracts of A. indica, L. camara, M. 

exotica, O. sanctum, D. fistulosa and C. roseus almost fully inhibited the spread of disease. 

Treatment of fruits with A. indica and C. roseus before fungal infection reduced the spread of 

disease caused by both the pathogens, whereas M. exotica, O. sanctum and D. fistulosa reduced the 

spread of soft-rot caused by F. scirpi but not by H, spiciferum. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Amat, M., D. Coll and J. Bosch 

Enantiopure intermediates for the synthesis of Strychnos alkaloids 

1995 

Tetrahedron 

51(39): 10759-10770 

Abstract 

The addition of 2-(lithiomethyl)indole 2 to the enantiopure oxazolinylpyridine 18 followed by acidic 

treatment afforded a mixture of tetracyclic compounds 21a and 21b in a 3:2 ratio. The major epimer 

21a was converted to tetracycle 25a, a tetracyclic ABDE substructure of Strychnos alkaloids.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Bandyopadyay, J., B. De and P. C. Datta 

Presence of vomicine in callus culture of Strychnos nux vomica 

1995 

Fitoterapia 

66 (2): 183 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Bonjoch, J., D. Sole and J. Bosch 

Studies on the synthesis of strychnos indole alkaloids - synthesis of (+/-)-dehydrot 

1995 


117(44): 11017-11018 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bosch, J. and M. L. Bennasar 

Method for the synthesis of bridged indole alkaloids - addition of carbon nucleoph 

1995 

Synlett 

(6): 587-596 

Abstract 

The methodology based on the nucleophilic addition of stabilized carbon nucleophiles to N- 

alkylpyridinium salts constitutes a powerful tool for the synthesis of bridged indole alkaloids 

belonging to a variety of structural types, either tetracyclic (as vinoxine and ervitsine) or pentacyclic, 

in the latter case after closure of the tryptamine chain by cyclization upon the indole ring.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Caira, M. R. and P. Rasoanaivo 

Structure of malagashanine, a new alkaloid with chloroquine-potentiating action 

1995 

Journal of Chemical Crystallography 

25(11): 725-729 

Abstract 

The molecular structure of malagashanine (C23H30N2O4), a new alkaloid occurring in Madagascan 

Strychnos species and showing chloroquine-potentiating action, has been determined by single 

crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals, in the form of a 1:1 acetone solvate, are monoclinic, space 

group P2(1), with a = 10.328(2), b = 10.554(6), c = 11.490(5)Angstrom, beta = 96.67(2)degrees, Z = 

2. Refinement based on 3650 reflections measured at 294K yielded R = 0.045. The X-ray analysis 

shows that the ring system in malagashanine differs from that in alkaloids of the strychnobrasiline 

type in containing only five- and six-membered rings. Thermal analysis of the solvate indicates that 

the acetone molecules are firmly held in the crystal and the X-ray analysis reveals that they are 

trapped in crystal voids. Only van der Waals forces and C-H ... O hydrogen bonds stabilize the 

c r y s t a l s t r u c t u r e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Corsaro, M. M., I. Giudicianni, R. Lanzetta, C. E. Marciano, P. Monaco and M. P 

Polysaccharides from seeds of Strychnos species 

1995 


39(6): 1377-1380 

Abstract 

The chemical composition of polysaccharide fractions from Strychnos nux-vomica and S. innocua 

seeds and comparison with those from S. potatorum seeds are reported. The structural features of the 

galactomannans from the three Strychnos species are also discussed. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Delaude, C., P. Thepenier, M. J. Jacquier, J. M. Nuzillard, G. Massiot and L. Le 

Alcaloides de Strychnos angolensis 

1995 


64(4/5): 243-246 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Hattori, M., T. Nakabayashi, Y. A. Lim, H. Miyashiro, M. Kurokawa, K. Shiraki, 

Inhibitory effects of various ayurvedic and panamanian medicinal-plants on the in 

1995 


9(4): 270-276 

Abstract 

Extracts of 40 Ayurvedic medicines and 39 Panamanian medicinal plants were screened for their 

inhibitory activity on the plaque formation of herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) in cultured cells, 

The extracts of II plant species showed potent inhibitory activity at a concentration of 100 mu g/mL, 

while those of ten species showed moderate activities, Repeated oral administration of each extract 

of Rhus acuminata (galls), Saraca indica (bark), Strychnos potatrum (seeds) appreciably suppressed 

the development of typical skin lesions induced by infection of HSV-1 in BALB/c mice, The extract 

of S. potatrum prolonged both development of skin lesion and mean survival time. This indicates 

that S. potatrum is a possible candidate for therapeutic application for HSV-1 infection. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

He, Y. and et al. 

Influence of different processing methods on four alkaloid contents in Strychnos n 

1995 

China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 

20(2): 84 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Kizil, M. and J. A. Murphy 

Stereoselective preparation of the abce tetracycle of aspidospermidine and related 

1995 

Journal of the Chemical Society-Chemical Communications 

(14): 1409-1410 

Abstract 

Tandem radical cyclisation affords stereoselective access to the ABCE tetracyclic substructure of 

a s p i d o s p e r m i d i n e a n d r e l a t e d a l k a l o i d s .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Knight, S. D., L. E. Overman and G. Pairaudeau 

Synthesis applications of cationic aza-cope rearrangements .28. Asymmetric total 

1995 


117(21): 5776-5788 

Abstract 

The first asymmetric total syntheses of (-)-strychnine, ent-strychnine, and the Wieland-Gumlich 

aldehyde are described with full experimental details. The total synthesis of (-)-strychnine was 

realized in 24 steps and 3% overall yield from (1R,4S)-(+)-4-hydroxy-2-cyclopentenyl acetate (28). 

This synthesis fully controls the six stereogenic centers and forms the C(20) double bond of (-)- 

strychnine with high diastereoselection (>20:1). In the first stage of the synthesis, the (R)- 

cyclopentenylstannane 8 is prepared in nine steps and 30% overall yield (40% with one recycle of 

38) as summarized in Scheme 4. Palladium-catalyzed carbonylative coupling of 8 with the 2- 

iodoaniline derivative 7 provides enone 6, which is converted to the 2-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane 5 in 

seven additional steps. This latter sequence proceeds in 36% overall yield (Scheme 6). The central 

step of the total synthesis is aza-Cope-Mannich rearrangement of 5 which proceeds in 98% yield to 

form the pentacyclic intermediate 4 (Scheme 7). In five additional steps 4 is converted to the 

Wieland-Gumlich aldehyde 2, which is the ultimate precursor of (-)strychnine. A slight modification 

of this synthesis strategy allowed ent-strychnine to be prepared and provided the first samples of this 

unnatural enantiomer for pharmacological studies (Scheme 8). The efficiency and conciseness of this 

synthesis provide an important benchmark of the power of the aza-Cope rearrangement-Mannich 

reaction to solve formidable problems in alkaloid construction. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Kuehne, M. E., C. S. Brook, D. A. Frasier and F. Xu 

Syntheses of strychnos-type and aspidospermatan-type alkaloids .7. Total synthese 

1995 


60(6): 1864-1867 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Kuehne, M. E., T. S. Wang and D. Seraphin 

The total synthesis of (+/-)-mossambine 

1995 

Synlett 

(5): 557-558 

Abstract 

A radical cyclization providing the pentacyclic strychnos skeleton which can be further elaborated to 

f o r m t h e a l k a l o i d m o s s a m b i n e i s d e s c r i b e d . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Martin, G. E., R. C. Crouch and C. W. Andrews 

N-15 chemical shifts and long-range h-1-n-15 coupling pathways of selected Stryc 

1995 


32(6): 1759-1766 

Abstract 

The Strychnos alkaloids have been the focal point of considerable synthetic and spectroscopic effort. 

We now report the N-15 chemical shifts and long-range H-1-N-15 coupling pathways of strychnine, 

brucine, and holstiine at natural abundance. Long-range coupling pathways were established using a 

gradient-enhanced HMQC sequence optimized for the observation of H-1-N-15 long-range couplings. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Micouin L; Diez A; Castells J; Lopez D; Rubiralta M; Quirion JC; Husson HP 

Synthetic applications of 2-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)indoles .5. Asymmetric-synthesis of 

1995 


36(10): 1693-1696 

Abstract 

Chiral tetracyclic dasycarpidone-type compounds (alpha R, IS, 5R)-4 and (alpha R, IR, 5S)-16 have 

been synthesized from 2-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)indole 6 and (alpha R)-N-(beta-hydroxy-alphaphenylethyl)-Delta(3)-piperidein-2-one 

8 in three steps, following the methodology that we 

d e s c r i b e d r e c e n t l y .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Nagaraja, T. G. 

Some biochemical changes in leaves of Strychnos nux vomica during infection of 

1995 


8(2): 258-260 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Nagaraja, T. G. and A. N. Thite 

Enzymatic studies in leaves of Strychnos nux vomica Linn infected with Meliola s 

1995 


8(2): 406-409 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Patir, S. 

A new synthetic route to the azocino[4,3-b]indole core structure 

1995 

Liebigs Annalen 

(8): 1561-1562 

Abstract 

The reaction of 2 with 2-methoxyethylamine in the presence of ZnCl2 afforded imine 3, which was 

reduced with NaBH4 to amine 4 without isolation. After deprotection of the carbonyl function by 

treatment with benzeneseleninic anhydride, ketone 5 was converted to compound 6 with 2- 

oxobutyric acid and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The isodasycarpidone derivative 7, formed by aldol 

reaction of 6, represents a tetracyclic substructure of strychnos-type alkaloids.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Quetinleclercq, J., A. Favel, G. Balansard, P. Regli and L. Angenot 

Screening for in-vitro antifungal activities of some indole alkaloids 

1995 

Planta Medica 

61(5): 475-477 

Abstract 

Several indole alkaloids were tested by the agar dilution technique on a panel of human pathogenic 

fungi, yeasts, and dermatophytes. Our results indicate that the most active compounds possess a betacarboline 

skeleton and that the presence of a 3-4 double bond enhances the activity. Our results also 

show that antifungal activities are not Linked to the cytotoxic, antimicrobial or antiparasitic 

p r o p e r t i e s . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Quetinleclercq, J., G. Llabres, R. Warin, M. L. Belempinheiro, H. Mavarmanga an 

Guianensine, a zwitterionic alkaloid from Strychnos guianensis 

1995 


40(5): 1557-1560 

Abstract 

The isolation and structural determination of an alkaloid isolated from the stem bark of Strychnos 

guianensis is described. Elucidation of its structure is based mainly on 1D and 2D NMR studies. The 

new alkaloid has a zwitterionic asymmetrical bis-indole structure and is named guianensine. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ranganath, H. R. and K. Veenakumari 

Notes on the dacine fruit-flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) of Andaman and Nicobar Isla 

1995 

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 

43(1): 235-238 

Abstract 

A survey of the fruit fly fauna in the Andaman and Nicobar islands revealed 11 species belonging to 

the genus Bactrocera. Three species reared, one each from Spondias pinnata (L. f) Kurz 

(Anacardiaceae) and Strychnos andamanensis Hill (Loganiaceae), and one from S. andamanensis 

and several cucurbits, are probably new to science.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Saxton, J. E. 


1995 


12(4): 385-411 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Zong, Y. Y. and C. T. Che 

Determination of strychnine and brucine by capillary zone electrophoresis 

1995 

Planta Medica 

61(5): 456-458 

Abstract 

A procedure for quantitative estimation of strychnine and brucine in the extracts of Strychnos nuxvomica 

seeds by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was developed. The buffer solution used was 

10mM phosphate buffer-MeOH (9:1), pH 2.5. The linear calibration range was 0.01-0.15 mg/ml. 

This method is useful for the qualitative and quantitative determination of strychnine and brucine in 

p lant drug samples, as well I as in human plasma. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Adinolfi, M., M. M. Corsaro, R. Lanzetta, M. Parrilli, G. Folkard, W. Grant and J. 

Composition of the coagulant polysaccharide fraction from Strychnos potatorum s 

1994 

Carbohydrate Research 

263(1): 103-110 

Abstract 

The composition of the coagulant polysaccharide fraction from Strychnos potatorum seeds is 

described. This fraction comprises a 1:1.7 mixture of a galactomannan and a galactan. The structure 

of these polysaccharides is also discussed. In addition, the coagulant properties of the polysaccharide 

fractions of two other Strychnos species, innocua and nux-vomica, have been assayed.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Amat M; Sathyanarayana S; Hadida S; Bosch J 

Short formal syntheses of indole alkaloids of the uleine and Strychnos groups 

1994 


35(38): 7123 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Cai, B. C., H. Wu, X. W. Yang and M. Hattori 

Analysis of spectral data for ^1^3cnmr of sixteen Strychnos alkaloids 

1994 

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 

29(1): 48 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Catena J; Valls N; Bosch J; Bonjoch J 

The pummerer cyclization route to the ibophyllidine alkaloids - total synthesis of ( 

1994 


35(25): 4433-4436 

Abstract 

Pummerer cyclization of beta-aminoethyl sulfoxide 6 was effectively achieved using TFAA-TFA in 

toluene at 80 degrees C. The cyclized product 7 was then converted to the alkaloid 

deethylibophyllidine. The required pyrrolo[3,2-c]carbazole 6 was prepared in five steps from 4- 

m e t h o x y p h e n e t h y l a m i n e .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Diez, A., J. Castells, P. Forns, M. Rubiralta, D. S. Grierson, H. P. Husson, X. Sola 

Synthetic applications of 2-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)indoles .4. New synthesis of the tetra 

1994 

Tetrahedron 

50(22): 6585-6602 

Abstract 

A new and versatile synthesis of tetracyclic compounds 10, 22 and 24 presenting the ABED ring 

system of Strychnos alkaloids is described by closure of the C-1-C-11b bond in the key step. The 

intermediate tetrahydropyridinium salts 2 have been obtained from 2-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)indole (3) and 

either 2-cyano-3-ethyl-1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (4a) or N-substituted Delta(3)-piperidein- 

2 - o n e s ( 5 ) . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Gracia, J., N. Casamitjana, J. Bonjoch and J. Bosch 

Total synthesis of uleine-type and Strycknos alkaloids through a common interme 

1994 


59(14): 3939-3951 

Abstract 

A stereoselective total synthesis of the alkaloids of the uleine group, dasycarpidone, dasycarpidol, 

and nordasycarpidone, has been accomplished from the tetracyclic intermediate 1, which has been 

prepared by two alternative routes, either by Fischer indolization of 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanone 9 

or, more efficiently, by stereocontrolled cyclization of 2-[(2-cyano-3-ethyl-4-piperidyl)methyl]i 24a 

and 24b. From the same tetracyclic intermediate 1, the Strychnos alkaloid tubotaiwine was also 

synthesized, the key step being the construction of the quaternary spiranic center by cyclization of a 

t h i o n i u m i o n u p o n t h e i n d o l e b e t a - p o s i t i o n . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Kraus, G. A. and D. Bougie 

The preparation of a hexacyclic intermediate for the synthesis of Strychnos alkaloi 

1994 

Tetrahedron 

50(9): 2681 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 



1994 


59(20): 5977-5982 

Abstract 

Intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions, at two stages in the reaction sequence, provided total syntheses 

of the racemate of the hypotensive alkaloid echitamidine (8) and of its C-19,20 and C-20 epimers 9a 

a n d 9 b . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 


Syntheses of strychnos- and aspidospermatan-type alkaloids. 5. Total syntheses of 

1994 


59(20): 5977 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Kuehne, M. E., C. S. Brook, F. Xu and R. Parsons 

Total syntheses of Strychnos alkaloids 

1994 


66(10/11): 2095 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Kuehne, M. E., F. Xu and C. S. Brook 


1994 


59(25): 7803-7806 

Abstract 

19-Oxodihydroakuammicine was obtained in a three-pot sequence, in 25% overall yield based on a 

new condensation-sigmatropic rearrangement sequence. Reductions-and quaternization reactions 

f u r n i s h e d t h e t i t l e c o m p o u n d s . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Mukherjee, R., B. C. Das, P. A. Keifer and J. N. Shoolery 

Structure and stereochemistry of divarine - another new bisindole alkaloid from St 

1994 

Heterocycles 

38(9): 1965-1970 

Abstract 

The complete stereostructure of divarine, a new bisindole alkaloid from Strychnos divaricans 

Ducke., has been determined mainly by the use of one- and two-dimensional nmr techniques.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Prins, H. and J. A. Maghembe 

Germination studies on seed of fruit-trees indigenous to Malawi 

1994 

Forest Ecology and Management 

64(2-3): 111-125 

Abstract 

Indigenous fruit trees play an important role in rural areas in Malawi. However, information on 

propagation techniques for these species is scantily available. Freshly obtained seed of 16 

indigenous fruit trees and one exotic species were therefore collected and tested for germination 

after applying eight different seed pretreatments. The pretreatments included direct sowing, washing, 

soaking, hot water treatment and different degrees of removal of the seedcoat. The objective was to 

find a simple technique to germinate seed of each species so that such a technique can be applied 

under village conditions in Malawi. - More than 80% germination was achieved for Bridelia 

cathartica, Bridelia micrantha, Diospyros mespiliformis, Parkia filicoidea, Piliostigma thonningii, 

Strychnos spinosa, Syzygium cordatum, Tamarindus indica, Uapaca kirkiana, Ziziphus abyssinica 

and Ziziphus mauritiana by simply cleaning and soaking the seeds. Quicker germination could be 

achieved by partial removal of the seedcoat for some species. Azanza garckeana and Parinari 

curatellifolia, however, required partial or complete removal of the seedcoat to achieve some 

germination. Flacourtia indica and Parinari curatellifolia had very poor germination of 20% and 

1 7 % , r e s p e c t i v e l y . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Quetinleclercq, J., G. Dive, C. Delaude, R. Warin, R. Bassleer and L. Angenot 

2,7-dihydroxyapogeissoschizine from root bark of Strychnos gossweileri 

1994 


35(2): 533-536 

Abstract 

In this paper, we describe the isolation and structural determination of 2,7- 

dihydroxyapogeissoschizine, a new alkaloid from the root bark of Strychnos gossweileri. Elucidation 

of its structure is based mainly on 1D and 2D NMR studies; its conformation was optimized by 

energy minimization. According to a preliminary test, this substance shows low toxicity to B16 

melanoma cells, but not for non-cancer 3T3 fibroblasts cultured in vitro.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Rasoanaivo, P., S. Ratsimamanga-Urverg, R. Milijaona and H. Rafatro 

In vivo and in vitro chloroquine-potentiating action of Strychnos myrtoides alkaloi 

1994 

Planta Medica 

60(1): 13 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rasoanaivo, P., S. Ratsimamangaurverg, R. Milijaona, H. Rafatro, A. Rakotoratsi 

In-vitro and in-vivo chloroquine-potentiating action of Strychnos myrtoides alkalo 

1994 

Planta Medica 

60(1): 13-16 

Abstract 

Crude alkaloids of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse, empirically used as an adjuvant to 

chloroquine (CQ) in Malagasy herbal remedies, were practically devoid of intrinsic in vitro and in 

vivo antimalarial activity. However, when combined with CQ at a dose level much lower than their 

IC50 value, they markedly enhanced in vitro the effectiveness of the synthetic drug against a CQresistant 

strain of Plasmodium falciparum. They also enhanced in vivo CQ activity against a resistant 

strain of Plasmodium yoelii. By counter-current distribution (CCD) separation of the crude alkaloid 

extract, the two major alkaloids strychnobrasiline (1) and malagashanine (2), together with four 

minor alkaloids, were isolated. Strychnobrasiline and malagashanine were devoid of both intrinsic 

antimalarial activity and cytotoxicity effect, but exhibited significant CQ-potentiating actions. These 

findings could account for the above-mentioned empirical use of S. myrtoides. The present state of 

research on antimalarial drug from Strychnos genus is also discussed.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rosenmund, P., M. Hosseinimerescht and C. Bub 

A simple entry into the series of tetracyclic heteroyohimbanes and secoyohimbane 

1994 

Liebigs Annalen Der Chemie 

(2): 151-158 

Abstract 

The divinylogous urethane 4a reacts in diluted acetic acid to give the indolochinolizine 9 (yield 

40%). The total amount grows up to 65%, if compound 14, prepared from 4a in nearly quantitative 

yield, is allowed to react with trifluoroacetic acid for a few minutes. Similarily, 4b and 4c give by 

treatment with SnCl2 and heat in an [4+2]-cycloaddition reaction the spiroindolines 17 and 18. 

Oxytryptamine reacts with 2 moles of 2 to give immediately the spirooxindole 21. This compound 

can be rearranged to give 23 (after treatment with acid, reduction and catalytic hydrogenation). 23 

h a s t h e c i s - c o n f i g u r a t i o n o f r h y n c o p h y l l i n e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Saka, J. D. K. and J. D. Msonthi 

Nutritional-value of edible fruits of indigenous wild trees in Malawi 

1994 

Forest Ecology and Management 

64(2-3): 245-248 

Abstract 

The edible portions of 16 edible wild fruits were analysed for moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash 

and minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, P, K, and Na). The total carbohydrate and energy contents were 

calculated. - Trichilia emetica, Strychnos spinosa, Azanza garckeana, Ximenia caffra and Parinari 

curatellifolia gave the highest levels of protein (17.0%), fat (31.2%), fibre (45.3%), ash (11.2%) and 

carbohydrate (88.2%), respectively. The highest and lowest energy values were found for Strychnos 

spinosa (1923 kJ 100 g-1) and Azanza garckeana (810 kJ 100 g-1), respectively. Bauhinia thonningii 

afforded the highest dry matter content (91.6%). - The highest contents of Ca, Mg, Fe, P, K and Na 

were found for Adansonia digitata (1156 mug g-1), Syzigium guineense (2247 mug g-1), Syzigium 

guineense (758 mug g-1), Trichilia emetica (3164 mug g-1), Ximenia caffra (41 79 1 mug g-1) and 

F l a c o u r t i a i n d i c a ( 5 8 9 m u g g - 1 ) , r e s p e c t i v e l y .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Saleh, N. A. M. 

Recent advances in the flavonoid chemistry of African plants 

1994 


36(5): 1109-1115 

Abstract 

Recent reports of flavonoids from African plant species are reviewed with emphasis on newly 

described structures and including all the major flavonoid classes. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Wright, C. W., D. Allen, Y. Cai, Z. P. Chen, J. D. Phillipson, G. C. Kirby, D. C. 

Selective antiprotozoal activity of some Strychnos alkaloids 

1994 


8(3): 149-152 

Abstract 

The in vitro activities of 20 Strychnos alkaloids have been determined against three species of 

protozoa and the active compounds were then assessed for in vitro cytotoxic activity using KB cells. 

3',4'-dihydrousambarensine was the most active against Plasmodium falciparum, and was relatively 

nontoxic to KB cells (cytotoxic/antiprotozoal ratio, 1474). Usambarensine displayed the most 

selectivity against Entamoeba histolytica while 3',4'-dihydrousambarensine was the most selective 

compound against Giardia intestinalis although the cytotoxicl antiprotozoal ratios (20.4 and 6.6 

respectively) were less favourable than the above. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Angle, S. R., J. M. Fevig, S. D. Knight and R. W. Marquis 

The aza-cope-mannich approach to Strychnos alkaloids. Short stereocontrolled tot 

1993 


115 (10): 3966 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Angle, S. R., J. M. Fevig, S. D. Knight, R. W. Marquis and L. E. Overman 

Synthesis applications of cationic aza-cope rearrangements .24. The aza-cope-man 

1993 


115(10): 3966-3976 

Abstract 

A direct approach for the total synthesis of Strychnos alkaloids has been developed. The key 

strategic element is the aza-Cope-Mannich rearrangement (Scheme II) of formaldiminium ions 

derived from azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanols 5 (Scheme I). This reorganization occurs with perfect 

stereochemical fidelity in high yield to form the intricate skeleton of this complex alkaloid group. 

Critical to the success of this synthesis endeavor was the evolution of an efficient sequence for 

assembling the azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanol rearrangement substrates (Scheme V). Using a pivaloyl 

group to protect the nitrogen of the aromatic ring, we prepared the akuammicine degradation product 

(+/-)-dehydrotubifoline in 12 chemical operations and approximately 6% overall yield from 2- 

cyclopentenone (Schemes VI-VIII). A related sequence that employed a tert-butoxycarbonyl group 

to protect the aromatic nitrogen led to the synthesis of the tetracyclic enecarbamate 63 (Scheme IX). 

Additional refinements of the aza-Cope-Mannich strategy allowed the total synthesis of (+/-)- 

akuammicine to be accomplished by way of 10 isolated intermediates and in nearly 8% overall yield 

from 2-cyclopentenone (Scheme X). Notable features of this final sequence are (a) the convergent 

carbonylative coupling of vinylstannane 64 and aryl iodide 65 to afford enone 66, (b) the use of the 

1,3-dimethylhexahydro-2-oxo-1,3,5-triazine group to protect the primary aniline nitrogen, and (c) the 

strategic use of an intramolecular epoxide aminolysis to assemble the azabicyclooctanol 71. 

Incorporation of oxidation at the terminal carbon of the ethylidene appendage should allow this total 

synthesis approach to be extended to more complex Strychnos alkaloids such as strychnine. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Arbain, D., D. P. Putra and M. V. Sargent 

The alkaloids of Ophiorrhiza filistipula 

1993 

Australian Journal of Chemistry 

46(7): 977-985 

Abstract 

Extraction of the fresh leaves of Ophiorrhiza filistipula (Rubiaceae) has yielded the alkaloids 

normalindine (2), 7-methoxycamptothecin (6) and strictosidinic acid (11). The configurations of the 

Strychnos alkaloids dolichantoside and isodolichantoside are revised.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Ban, Y. 

Total syntheses of the natural-products from alkaloids to terpenes 

1993 

Journal of Synthetic Organic Chemistry Japan 

51(2): 111-127 

Abstract 

This review describes the studies on the total syntheses of the natural products, particularly alkaloids 

and terpenes, which involves the determination of absolute configurations of emetine, yohimbin and 

reserpine. It has been attempted in principle that the synthesis should be developed by utilization of 

the new reactions originated in our own laboratory. The successful syntheses are demonstrated by 

''one-step synthesis of beta-carboline derivatives'', ''development of a new synthetic method for 3,3- 

disubstituted oxindole derivatives, which method was extended to the synthesis of various indole 

alkaloids through a common intermediate'', ''the total synthesis of strychnos, aspidosperma and 

schizozygane alkaloids by photo-isomerization of 1-acylindole to 3-acylindolenine'', ''the crisscross 

annulation for syntheses of heterocycles and the natural products'' and ''bis (trimethylsilyl enol ether 

has been utilized as a 'masked acyl anion' for the synthesis of terpenses and the biologically active 

c y c l i c l a c t o n e s ' ' . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bennasar, M. L., E. Zulaica, J. M. Jimenez and J. Bosch 

Studies on the synthesis of mavacurine-type indole alkaloids - 1st total synthesis o 

1993 


58(27): 7756-7767 

Abstract 

Closure of the six-membered C ring of pentacyclic mavacurine-type alkaloids from suitably 

substituted tetracyclic substructures embodying rings ABDE of these alkaloids, either by 

electrophilic cyclization upon the indole 3-position or by intramolecular alkylation of the piperidine 

nitrogen, failed. In contrast, 6a-homopleiocarpamine (45) has been synthesized from dithioacetal 42 

by an electrophilic cyclization involving the closure of the seven-membered C ring. The first total 

synthesis of the alkaloid 2,7-dihydropleiocarpamine (68) has been achieved by photocyclization of 

the tetracyclic chloroacetamide 54 as the key step. The required tetracyclic ABDE ring systems were 

prepared by a straightforward sequence consisting of nucleophilic addition of a 1-indoleacetatic ester 

enolate to the gamma position of a pyridinium salt, acid cyclization of the resulting 1,4- 

dihydropyridine, and final elaboration of the (E)-ethylidene substituent. An alternative synthesis of 

the tetracyclic alkaloid vinoxine (10a) is also reported.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 


A new, general synthetic pathway to strychnos indole alkaloids - 1st total synthesi 

1993 


115(5): 2064-2065 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 


Novel general and flexible method for synthesis of Strychnos type indole alkaloid 

1993 

Anales De Quimica 

89(1): 113-114 

Abstract 

Starting from cis-3a-(o-nitrophenyl)octahydroindol-4-one (1), the pentacyclic Strychnos alkaloids 

tubifolidine and echitamidine were synthesized in nine and twelve steps, respectively, the indole 

nucleus being formed in the last synthetic steps by reductive cyclization of a tricyclic alpha-(on 

i t r o p h e n y l ) k e t o n e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 


A new, general synthetic pathway to strychnos indole alkaloids. First total synthes 

1993 


115(5): 2064 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Dasilva, B. A., A. P. Dearaujo, R. Mukherjee and A. D. Chiappeta 

Bisnordihydrotoxiferine and vellosimine from Strychnos divaricans root - spasmol 

1993 


7(6): 419-424 

Abstract 

Bisnordihydrotoxiferine and vellosimine, two tertiary indole alkaloids have been isolated from the 

root of Strychnos divaricans. Bisnordihydrotoxiferine antagonized in a nonspecific manner, oxytocin 

and acetylcholine induced contractions in the rat uterus and acetylcholine and histamine responses in 

the guinea-pig ileum. Bisnordihydrotoxiferine, like verapamil, produced effects on voltage 

dependent Ca2+ channels. For example in guinea-pig ileum, bisnordihydrotoxiferine (pD2' 3.92+/- 

0.09) and verapamil (pD2' 6.00+/-0.11) inhibited KCl induced contractions. Furthermore, 

bisnordihydrotoxiferine (pD2' 4.37+/-0.02) and verapamil (pD2 6.83+/-0.10) also antagonized CaCl2 

induced contractions of K+-depolarized rat uterus. When compared with sodium nitroprusside, an 

antagonist of receptor operated Ca2+ channels, bisnordihydrotoxiferine had no effect. However, in 

the aorta, the alkaloid (IC50, 6.10 X 10(-6) M) antagonized the intracellular calcium dependent 

transient contractions of noradrenaline and it was about four times more potent than procaine (IC50, 

2.30 x 10(-5) m), a known inhibitor of the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. 

Bisnordihydrotoxiferine may produce nonspecific spasmolytic actions mainly by inhibiting 

intracellular calcium mobilization and to a lesser extent by inhibiting voltage dependent calcium 

c h a n n e l s i n s m o o t h m u s c l e s . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Diez A; Vila C; Sinibaldi ME; Troin Y; Rubiralta M 

Synthetic studies on indole alkaloids .6. Synthesis of tetrahydroakuammicine and 

1993 


34(4): 733-736 

Abstract 

The synthesis of dihydrocorynantheol (5) and of the pentacyclic Strychnos alkaloid 

tetrahydroakuammicine (4) is reported from 5-ethyl-N-hydroxyethyl-2-(1-phenylsulfonyl-3-indolyl)- 

4-piperidineacetates (1) by means of a K(t)OBu/BF3.Et2O intramolecular cyclization.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Elmekkawy, S., M. R. Meselhy, Y. Kawata, S. Kadota, M. Hattori and T. Namba 

Metabolism of strychnine n-oxide and brucine n-oxide by human intestinal bacteri 

1993 

Planta Medica 

59(4): 347-350 

Abstract 

Anaerobic incubation of strychnine N-oxide with human intestinal bacteria resulted in its 

transformation to strychnine and 16-hydroxystrychnine. Similarly, brucine N-oxide was transformed 

t o b r u c i n e a n d 1 6 - h y d r o x y b r u c i n e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Fritz, H., M. Soleymanijamarani, J. W. Bats and H. J. Teuber 

Synthesis of the azocino[4.3-b]indole core structure of Strychnos alkaloids 

1993 

Liebigs Annalen Der Chemie 

(7): 705-710 

Abstract 

Michael addition of ethylmalonic dimethyl or diethyl ester with cyclohexenone and subsequent 

Fischer indole ring closure afford the (tetrahydrocarbazolyl)malonic esters 4a-c. Decarboxylation of 

4a leads to the corresponding butyric acid methyl ester 5 which is oxidized by DDQ to the 4-oxo 

derivative 6a (byproduct: carbazole 7). Oximation of 6a to 8a and acylation of the oxime group to 

Ob, c as well as hydrogenation of this group yield 9a, b. Subsequent hydrogenation of the 

tetrahydrocarbazole ring by means of borane/pyridine yields the hexahydrocarbazole derivatives 10a 

and b. By cyclisation in boiling o-xylene (sodium hydride catalysis) 10a is converted into the 

tetracyclic 1,5-methanoazocino[4.3-b]indole derivative 11a with an alkaloid analogous ethyl side 

chain. The X-ray structural analysis of the corresponding phenylsulfonyl derivative 11b confirms 

constitution and stereochemistry. As a diastereoisomer of 11a the byproduct 11c could be isolated. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Magnus P; Giles M 

A new approach to the synthesis of the Strychnos alkaloids core structure 

1993 


34(40): 6355 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Parsons, R. L., J. D. Berk and M. E. Kuehne 

Total syntheses of strychnan-type and aspidospermatan-type alkaloids .2. Generati 

1993 


58(26): 7482-7489 

Abstract 

The synthesis of N(b)-benzyl-2-(dimethyl 2-malonyl)- and 2-(methyl 2-acetyl)tryptamines (21, 25) 

provides access to methyl 4-(3-furanyl)-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydroazepino[4,5-b]indole-5-carboxylate 

(12) and methyl 3-benzyl-5-(3-furanyl)-2,3,3a,4,5,7-hexahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]carbazole-6- 

carboxylate (9), potential intermediates for the syntheses of strychnos alkaloids. A new condensationsigmatropic 

rearrangement reaction gives the tetracyclic product 9 directly from the tryptamine 25. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Parsons, R. L., J. D. Berk and M. E. Kuehne 

Intermediates for Strychnos alkaloids 

1993 

Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society 

205(Mar): 186 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Quetinleclercq, J., B. Bouzahzah, A. Pons, R. Greimers, L. Angenot, R. Bassleer a 

Strychnopentamine, a potential anticancer agent. 

1993 

Planta Medica 

59(1): 59-62 

Abstract 

We analysed the effects of strychnopentamine, an alkaloid isolated from Strychnos usambarensis, on 

an Ehrlich ascites tumor growing in the mouse after inoculation. Four subcutaneous injections of 1. 5 

mg strychnopentamine (1 per day) induce a significant decrease of the number of tumor cells and a 

significant increase of the survival of the treated mice. Observed side effects are partial haemolysis 

a n d s o m e l i v e r d a m a g e .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Rawal, V. H., C. Michoud and R. F. Monestel 

General strategy for the stereocontrolled synthesis of strychnos alkaloids - a conci 

1993 


115(7): 3030-3031 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Solis, P. N., C. W. Wright, M. P. Gupta and J. D. Phillipson 

Alkaloids from Cephaelis dichroa 

1993 


33(5): 1117-1119 

Abstract 

A new indole alkaloid, vallesiachotamine lactone, and four known compounds strictosidine, 

strictosamide, vallesiachotamine and angustine were isolated from the aerial parts of Cephaelis 

dichroa. Structures were established by spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, mass spectrometry, H-1 and 

C-13 NMR, including COSY 45 and H-1-C-13 heterocorrelation). Isovallesiachotamine was detected 

as a degradation product of vallesiachotamine.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Tchamba, M. N. and P. M. Seme 

Diet and feeding-behavior of the forest elephant in the Santchou Reserve, Camero 

1993 

African Journal of Ecology 

31(2): 165-171 

Abstract 

This study reports the diet and feeding behaviour of forest elephants in Western Cameroon. Diet 

consisted primarily of grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Woody material (leaves and stems) made up 

the smallest proportion of the diet. Twenty-two species of fruit were eaten of which seven formed a 

significant component of the diet: Cucurmis manii, Desplatsia subericarpa, Irvingia gabonensis, 

Parinari excelsa, Strychnos innocuea, Theobroma cacao and Vitex doniana. The greatest variety of 

fruit was available during the dry season. The frequent presence of crop seeds in the dung piles 

indicated that elephant incursions into the farms to feed on crops were regular. Elephants removed 

bark from eight species of tree but concentrated on four: Afzelia bipindensis, Coloncoba welwitschii, 

Bridelia ferruginea and Terminalia superba. Seventeen species were recorded as browsed. Trees in 

particular were favoured. Elephants fed mainly by grazing or stripping off fruits. Debarking of trees, 

breaking of the main stems, and uprooting or pushing over were minor feeding activities.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Vanveenendaal, W. L. H. and R. W. Denouter 

Development of included phloem and organization of the phloem network in the st 

1993 

Iawa Journal 

14(3): 253-265 

Abstract 

The development of the diffuse included phloem strands in Strychnos millepunctata Leeuwenberg is 

described and compared with that in some other Strychnos species. - The phloem strands are 

produced outwards by small segments of the vascular cambium which function differently. In these 

segments the secondary xylem production inwards is retarted and gradually stops, the secondary 

phloem production outwards increases. Thus the vascular cambium cylinder forms depressions. 

These cambium segments become detached from the rest of the vascular cambium. The future strand 

sinks into the secondary xylem and is bridged over by a complementary cambium which is formed in 

the outer border of the strand and joins the vascular cambial cylinder. The complementary cambium 

now starts with the production of secondary xylem inwards and secondary phloem outwards like the 

rest of the vascular cambium in die once more closed cambial cylinder. - The composition of the 

secondary phloem in the strands is different from both the secondary and primary external phloem 

(phloem outside the cylinder of vascular cambium). Radial rows of cells are present within the 

included phloem strands which continue into the later formed secondary xylem. One- to five-seriate 

rays traverse the strands. The embedded cambial segment near the inner border of the strand 

remains active. The crushing of the phloem takes place near the outer border Of the strand, forming 

cap-like tissues of disorganised cells. Internal phloem is regularly renewed by cambial activity. The 

internal cambium produces secondary phloem inwards. The composition of this phloem resembles 

that of the included phloem strands. - Inter-connections between included phloem strands, as well as 

anastomoses of these strands with both secondary external and internal phloem, has been 

demonstrated. Together these three phloem types form a three-dimensional secondary phloem 

n e t w o r k . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Amat, M. and J. Bosch 

Studies on the synthesis of pentacyclic Strychnos indole alkaloids - closure of e-ri 

1992 


57(21): 5792-5796 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Arbain, D., N. H. Lajis, D. P. Putra, M. V. Sargent, B. W. Skelton and A. H. Whit 

New quaternary corynanthe alkaloid from Lerchea bracteata 

1992 

Journal of the Chemical Society-Perkin Transactions 1 

(22): 3039-3042 

Abstract 

Extraction of the leaves of Lerchea bracteata Val. (Rubiaceae) has yielded a quaternary Corynanthe 

alkaloid, dihydro-3-epi-corynantheol methochloride (lercheine) 4 the structure of which followed 

from analysis of its spectral data and by X-ray crystal structure determination of the corresponding 

b r o m i d e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Balakrishna, P. and A. Raman 

Cecidogenesis of leaf galls of Strychnos nux vomica (Loganiaceae) induced by th 

1992 

Entomologia Generalis 

17(4): 285-292 

Abstract 

Diaphorina truncata Crawford 1924 induces roll galls on the leaves of Strychnos nux-vomica 

Linnaeus (Loganiaceae) in the W' coastal plains of S' India. Gravid females of D. truncata colonise 

and oviposit on the abaxial surfaces of differentiated leaves of S. nux-vomica. Feeding activity of the 

first instar larvae on the mesophyll tissue initiates gall development, evident as wrinkles. In 10-12 

days, with the growth of the inhabiting larvae, the leaf turns more-intensely curled. Mature larvae 

feed on the phloem strands and consequently the vasculature of the galled leaf breaks down. In 25-30 

days, the leaf crumples due to distortion of cells and desiccation, and the galled leaf abscises, 

synchronising with the moulting of the L5 into adults. To supplement these observations, changes in 

the primary and some secondary plant metabolites of the host leaf during cecidogenesis have been 

estimated. These changes are related to the nutrition and biology of the psyllid species.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bisset, N. G. 

War and hunting poisons of the new-world .1. Notes on the early history of curare 

1992 


36(1): 1-26 

Abstract 

The history to about 1850 of the muscle-relaxant poison curare is discussed, especially the 

developments leading to the botanical identification of the plants that yield the alkaloidal active 

principles: Loganiaceae (Strychnos species) and Menispermaceae (Abuta. Chondrodendron, and 

Curarea species). One of the earliest encounters with the poison appears to have been during the 

exploration of the Lake Maracaibo region in Colombia by Alonso Perez de Tolosa in 1548. It is 

pointed out (yet again) that Sir Walter Ralegh did not bring back the poison to Europe in 1595 and 

that it was Keymis who first came across the word ourari when exploring the lower reaches of the 

Orinoco in 1596. Gumilla, La Condamine, Ulloa, Veigl, and others gave much additional 

information about the poison during the 18th century. Scientific studies began in the latter part of the 

century when Schreber listed the botanical identities of four of the plant components entering into 

the curare prepared by the Akawai Indians of Surinam. As far as is known, none of these people 

actually saw curare being made. Thereafter, progress was rapid. Humboldt and Bonpland were the 

first trained scientists to witness the preparation of the poison, at the very beginning of the 19th 

century. Subsequent exploration by Martius and Spix, Poeppig, Youd, the Schomburgk brothers, De 

Castelnau and Deville, Spruce, and others, up to the middle of the century, extended and deepened 

botanical and ethnological knowledge of curare. Study of its physiology started at about that time 

with the classical experiments of Rudolf von Koelliker and Claude Bernard. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Casamitjana N; Gracia J; Bonjoch J; Bosch J 

Functionalized 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes .16. Studies on the synthesis of strych 

1992 


33(15): 2055-2058 

Abstract 

A stereocontrolled four-step synthesis of polysubstituted functionalized morphans 7 and 8 from the 

3,4-cis piperidine derivative 1 is reported. beta-Keto ester 1 was converted to 4- 

(oxopentyl)piperidines 3, and then to the 2-cyano derivatives 4 and 5, which were cyclized to the 

t i t l e c o m p o u n d s 7 a n d 8 .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Dutta, G. R. and A. K. Roy 

Mycobial deterioration in strychnine and brucine of Strychnos nux vomica seed 

1992 

Indian Phytopathology 

45(1), 77 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Gasquet, M., J. Quetinleclercq, P. Timondavid, G. Balansard and L. Angenot 

Antiparasitic properties of diploceline, a quaternary alkaloid from Strychnos goss 

1992 

Planta Medica 

58(3): 276-277 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Kopp, B., W. P. Bauer and A. Bernkopschnurch 

Analysis of some malaysian dart poisons 

1992 


36(1): 57-62 

Abstract 

An investigation of nine Malaysian dart poisons has confirmed that their main active components are 

cardenolides from Antiaris toxicaria (Pers.) Lesch. and alkaloids probably from different forms of 

Strychnos ignatii P. Bergius. It is not possible to determine the ethnic origin of the poisons from the 

results of the analyses on their own. Two new cardiac glycosides have been isolated and their 

structures determined as 12-beta-hydroxycannogenin 3-beta-O-beta-D-deoxygulopyranoside and 3- 

b eta-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, respectively.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Kraus, G. A. and D. Bougie 

The preparation of a hexacyclic intermediate for the synthesis of Strychnos alkaloi 

1992 

Synlett 

(4): 279-280 

Abstract 

The hexacyclic ring system, indolizino[7,8,8a,1-bcd]-pyrido[1,2,3-lm]carbazolone 10 has been 

synthesized in nine steps from the pyrido[3,2,1-jk]carbazolylethanal 3. Key steps include the 

selective reduction of aldehyde 3, the stereoselective introduction of an allyl unit via the Sakurai 

reaction and the ozonolysis/dehydrative cyclization to afford bridgehead enamine 10. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Magnus, P., N. L. Sear, C. S. Kim and N. Vicker 

Studies on the synthesis of Strychnos alkaloids - a new entry into the azocino[4,3- 

1992 


57(1): 70-78 

Abstract 

Treatment of cyclohexanone-3-acetic acid with phenylhydrazine hydrochloride gave the 

tetrahydrocarbazole 7 (73%). The derived methyl ester 8 (99.6%) was oxidized to the 4-oxo 

compound 9 in 85% yield by treatment with DDQ/90% aqueous THF at 0-degrees-C. Treatment of 

9 with NaH/DMF at 0-degrees-C followed by (p-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl chloride gave 10 (81%). 

Hydrolysis of 10 using lithium hydroxide in aqueous THF gave the acid 11 (86%). The acid 11 was 

converted into the amide 12 by treatment with ethylchloroformate/NEt3/CH2Cl2 followed by 

aqueous NH4OH. The ketoamide 12 was exposed to NaBH4/MeOH/THF to give a single alcohol 

13 (> 95%). Exposure of 13 to trifluoroacetic acid (cat)/CH2Cl2/0-20-degrees-C gave the 

azocino[4.3-b]indole core tetracyclic lactam 14 (90%). The amide 14 was reduced (BH3.THF) to 

give 21, which was directly acetylated (PhSCH2COCl) to give exocyclic amide 22. All attempts to 

close the C11-C12 bond only resulted in decomposition. Treatment of the acid 11 with 

EtO2CCl/Et3N followed by [2-(phenylthio)ethyl]amine gave the amide 24 (90%). Reduction of 24 

using NaBH4 gave the alcohol 25 which upon exposure to CF3CO2H at room temperature cyclized 

to the tetracyclic amide 26 (96% overall). Oxidation of the sulfide 26 (m-CPBA) resulted in the 

diastereomeric sulfoxides 28. When the sulfoxides 28 were exposed to Pummerer conditions the 

only products that could be isolated were the (E)- and (Z)-vinyl sulfides 29 (72% and 25%, 

respectively). Similarly the dimethylthio acetal 33 was converted into the aldehyde 34 (100%). 

Treatment of 26 with POCl3/DMF gave 35 (90.8%) which was exposed to 

PhNHNH2/AcOH/AcONa to give the pyrazole 36 (85%). Attempts to close the E-ring via 

sulfoxides derived from either the pyrazole 36 or the oxazole 37 were unsuccessful. Treatment of 

the chloride 40 with KH/HN(SiMe3)2 in toluene resulted in a slow conversion into the 3-oxindole 

4 4 .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Massiot, G., P. Thepenier, M. J. Jacouier, L. Lemenolivier and C. Delaude 

Alkaloids from roots of Strychnos potatorum 

1992 


31(8): 2873-2876 

Abstract 

Twenty-four compounds have been isolated and identified in the root bark of Strychnos potatorum. 

They are: Harmane carboxamide, cantleyine, 18,19-dihydrousambarensine, polyneuridine, 

norharmane, akuammidine, nor-C-flurorocurarine, ochrolifuanine A, bisnordihydrotoxiferine, 

ochrolifuanine E, normacusine B, normavacurine, henningsamine, 11-methoxyhenningsamine, 

dihydrolongicaudatine, dihydrolongicaudatine Y, antirhine, (20R)- and (20S)-dihydroantirhine, 11- 

methoxy-12-hydroxydiaboline, diaboline, 11-methoxydiaboline, desacetylretuline and diaboline N- 

o x i d e . T h e a l k a l o i d s i n i t a l i c a r e n o v e l . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Mukherjee R 

Indole alkaloids of Strychnos from the northeast of Brazil 

1992 

Traditional medicine, Calcutta; India 

New Delhi, 229-234 pp 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Pan, S. K. 

A study of anti-timira (anticataract) activity of katak (Strychnos potatorum) 

1992 

International Ayurveda conference; Musing ayurved, Pune, India 

Delhi, 129-138 pp 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Quetinleclercq, J., C. Coune, C. Delaude, R. Warin, R. Bassleer and L. Angenot 

Revision of the structure of strychnofluorine, an alkaloid of Strychnos gossweileri 

1992 


31(12): 4347-4349 

Abstract 

The structure of strychnofluorine, an indole alkaloid isolated from the root bark of Strychnos 

gossweileri has been revised. Strychnofluorine proved to be identical with 18- 

hydroxynorfluorocurarine. Furthermore, it has a low cytotoxic activity on B16 melanoma cells. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Thomas, G., M. D. F. M. Diniz and R. Mukherjee 

Further-studies on the antidiarrheal activity of bisnordihydrotoxiferine, a tertiary i 

1992 


6 (2): 84-88 

Abstract 

The dimeric tertiary indole alkaloid bisnordihydrotoxiferine isolated from the root bark of Strychnos 

trinervis (Vell.) Mart. inhibited, on i.p. administration, Escherichia coli-induced diarrhoea and 

cholera toxin-stimulated intestinal fluid accumulation in mice. The respective ED50 values were 

10.6 and 20.0 mg/kg. The activity of bisnordihydrotoxiferine was unaffected by nalorphine or 

yohimbine, suggesting that the opioid and alpha-2-adrenoceptors respectively, are not important for 

its antidiarrhoeal action. In smooth muscle studies, bisnordihydrotoxiferine antagonized in a 

noncompetitive and reversible manner, the contractions produced by histamine, acetylcholine and 

substance P in guinea-pig ileum and by 5-hydroxytryptamine and arachidonic acid in rat fundic strip. 

The respective pD2' values (mean +/- SEM) were 5.21 +/- 0.29, 5.20 +/- 0.29, 5.35 +/- 0.12, in the 

ileum and 4.95 +/- 0.13 and 3.66 +/- 0.12 in the fundic strip. The values of slopes of the regression 

lines differed significantly from unity in all cases. Bisnor was inactive against PGE2-induced 

contractions in the ileum. The mechanism of action of the alkaloid may be related to nonspecific 

antagonism of gastrointestinal smooth muscle stimulant activity of several endogenous substances.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bonjoch, J., J. Quirante, D. Sole, J. Castells, M. Galceran and J. Bosch 

Functionalized 2-azabicyclo(3.3.1)nonanes .14. 8-aryl-2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-7 

1991 

Tetrahedron 

47(25): 4417-4428 

Abstract 

The synthesis of 8-aryl-2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-7-ones (7) by acid cyclization of 4-(3-aryl-2- 

oxopropyl)-2-piperidinecarbonitriles (5) is reported. Bicyclic alpha-aril-beta-amino ketones 7 easily 

undergo a retro-Michael ring opening to give the corresponding 2-arylcyclohexenones 8. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bosch, J., M. Salas, M. Amat, M. Alvarez, I. Morgo and B. Adrover 

Studies on the synthesis of Strychnos indole alkaloids 

1991 

Tetrahedron 

47(28): 5269-5276 

Abstract 

Tetracycles 3b-d, having the ABCD ring substructure of Strychnos alkaloids and a N(b)- 

(formylmethyl) substituent protected as an oxime or hydrazone derivative, have been prepared by 

nucleophilic addition of the enolate of indoleacetic ester 1 to pyridinium salts 2b-d followed by acid 

cyclization. The same one-pot, two-step sequence allowed the preparation of tetracycle 3f, which 

incorporates an alpha-methoxyacrylate chain at the piperidine beta-position.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Burger BV; Petersen WGB 

Semiochemicals of the Scarabaeinae .3. Identification of the attractant for the dun 

1991 

Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung C-a Journal of Biosciences 

46(11-12): 1073-1079 

Abstract 

Following the observation that the non-ball-rolling dung beetle Pachylomerus femoralis (Kirby) 

rolled the flesh-covered seeds from the fruit of the spineless monkey orange tree, Strychnos 

madagascariensis Poiret, an investigation into the chemical attractants of this fruit was made. Using 

headspace gas chromatography with electroantennographic and flame ionization detection in 

parallel, followed by GC-MS analysis, 1-butanol, methyl butanoate, ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, ethyl 

butanoate, butyl ethanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, propyl butanoate, butyl propanoate, methyl 

hexanoate, butyl 2-methylpropanoate, and butyl butanoate were identified as the constituents of the 

attractant. It was found that P. femoralis beetles were attracted to a mixture of the synthetic 

compounds about as strongly as to the fresh fruit. The beetles were also equally attracted to the fruit 

and to horse dung in areas where ripe fruit was not available. In areas permeated with the smell of 

the ripe fruit the horse dung retained its attractiveness, whereas no beetles were caught in traps 

b a i t e d w i t h f r u i t . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

De, B. and N. G. Bisset 

Separation of Strychnos nux vomica alkaloids by high-performance liquid-chroma 

1991 

Journal of Chromatography 

587(2): 318-320 

Abstract 

The common alkaloids present in Strychnos nux-vomica L. were separated using normal-phase highp 

e r f o r m a n c e l i q u i d c h r o m a t o g r a p h y .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Demedeiros, C. L. C., G. Thomas and R. Mukherjee 

The source of ca2+ for the spasmolytic actions of longicaudatine, a bisindole alkal 

1991 


5(1): 24-28 

Abstract 

Longicaudatine, a tertiary bisindole alkaloid isolated from the root bark of Strychnos trinervis (Vell.) 

Mart. (Loganiaceae), antagonized in a noncompetitive manner, carbachol and histamine induced 

contractions of the guinea-pig ileum and bradykinin responses in the rat uterus. The respective pD2' 

values (mean +/- SE) were 4.61 +/- 0.21, 4.98 +/- 0.04 and 4.49 +/- 0.01. Longicaudatine, unlike 

verapamil, had no effect on voltage dependent Ca2+ channels, as it failed to inhibit KCl or CaCl2 

induced contractions of guinea-pig ileum and depolarized rat uterus respectively. When compared 

with sodium nitroprusside, an antagonist of receptor operated Ca2+ channels, longicaudatine 

produced a slower and weaker inhibition of noradrenaline induced sustained contractions of rabbit 

aortic strips. However, in the aorta, the alkaloid antagonized the intracellular calcium dependent 

transient contractions of noradrenaline and longicaudatine (IC50, 5.01 x 10(-7) M) was 

approximately 133 times more potent that procaine (IC50, 6.68 x 10(-5) M), a known inhibitor of the 

release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Longicaudatine may exert nonspecific spasmolytic effects 

by acting on intracellular Ca2+ stores, rather than on depolarization dependent or receptor operated 

C a 2 + c h a n n e l s . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Fevig, J. M., R. W. Marquis and L. E. Overman 

Synthesis applications of cationic aza-cope rearrangements .22. New approach to 

1991 


113(13): 5085-5086 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Gracia, J., J. Bonjoch, N. Casamitjana, M. Amat and J. Bosch 

Total synthesis of the Strychnos alkaloid tubotaiwine 

1991 

Journal of the Chemical Society-Chemical Communications 

(9): 614-615 

Abstract 

The total synthesis of racemic tubotaiwine 8 has been achieved from the tetracyclic intermediate 1, 

the key steps being the construction of the C(7)-quaternary centre by cyclization of a thionium ion 

upon the indole 3-position and the introduction of the C(16)-methoxycarbonyl substituent by 

p hotochemical rearrangement of the N-methoxycarbonyleamine 7. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Jhansi, P., T. P. Kalpana and C. G. K. Ramanujam 

Pollen analysis of rock bee summer honeys from the Prakasam district of the And 

1991 

Journal of Apicultural Research 

30(1): 33-40 

Abstract 

The paper deals with the pollen analysis of six squeezed honey samples collected from rock bee 

(Apis dorsata) combs during the period 1982-1984. All the samples represented summer honeys 

from tropical dry deciduous forest tracts of the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The 

samples, which were all multifloral, contained a total of 57 pollen types. The results indicate that 

Cassia fistula, Terminalia alata, Bauhinia racemosa, Feronia elephantum, Lagerstroemia parviflora, 

Strychnos potatorum, Zizyphus xylopyrus, Phyllanthus sp., Soymida febrifuga, Syzygium cumini, 

Dalbergia latifolia and Caesalpinia bonduc constitute fairly reliable nectar sources for honey bees in 

t h i s a r e a d u r i n g t h e s u m m e r . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Kuehne, M. E., D. A. Frasier and T. D. Spitzer 

Total syntheses of tubotaiwine and 19,20-dihydro-20-epi-akuammicine 

1991 


56(8): 2696-2700 

Abstract 

Starting from the indoloazepine 9, the title products 2 and 7 were synthesized in seven steps in 27 

a n d 2 2 % o v e r a l l y i e l d s , r e s p e c t i v e l y .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Massiot, G., P. Thepenier, M. J. Jacquier, J. Henin, L. Lemenolivier and C. Delau 

Alkaloids from Dtrychnos henningsii 

1991 


30(10): 3449-3456 

Abstract 

Seventeen alkaloids have been isolated from the leaves, stem and root barks of Strychnos henningsii 

collected in Tanzania. They are holstiine, splendoline, 23-hydroxyspermostrychnine, 19-epi-23- 

hydroxyspermostrychnine, retuline, henningsiine, deshydroxyacetylhenningsiine, O- 

acetylhenningsiine, 3-hydroxyhenningsiine, henningsiine-N(4)-oxide, 23-hydroxyspermostrychnine- 

N(4)-oxide, 17,23-dihydroxyspermostrychnine, spermostrychnine, henningsamide, O- 

acetylhenningsamide, deshydroxyacetylhenningsamide and cyclostrychnine. Among these, the 

henningsiine and henningsamide derivatives are new alkaloids which possess a (16,17) double 

bond. Cyclostrychnine is a novel heptacyclic C21 alkaloid which presents some similarities with 

strychnine and has a C-16 to C-23 bond. Structures were established by spectral means and 

c h e m i c a l c o r r e l a t i o n s . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Mitsunaga, K., K. Koike, H. Fukuda, K. Ishii and T. Ohmoto 

Ligustrinoside, a new bisiridoid glucoside from Dtrychnos ligustrina 

1991 

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 

39(10): 2737-2738 

Abstract 

A new bisiridoid glucoside, ligustrinoside (1), along with three known iridoids, loganin, loganetin 

and loganic acid was isolated from the wood of Strychnos ligustrina BL. (Loganiaceae), collected in 

Indonesia. The structure of ligustrinoside (1) has been determined as an ester dimmer of loganin and 

l o g a n i c a c i d b e t w e e n C - 7 a n d C - 1 1 .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Mukherjee, R., B. A. Dasilva, B. C. Das, P. A. Keifer and J. N. Shoolery 

Structure and stereochemistry of divaricine, a new bisindole alkaloid from Strych 

1991 

Heterocycles 

32(5): 985-990 

Abstract 

The complete stereostructure of divaricine, a new bisindole alkaloid from Srychnos divaricans 

Ducke., has been determined mainly by the use of one- and two-dimensional nmr techniques. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Nkiliza J; Vercauteren J; Leger JM 

19-hydroxytubotaiwine - total synthesis - assignment of absolute-configuration to 

1991 


32(15): 1787-1790 

Abstract 

A total synthesis of two isomers of racemic 19-hydroxytubotaiwine from tryptamine is described1. 

The absolute configuration of one of the two natural ones is defined by a NMR and X-ray study of 

a n i n t e r m e d i a t e . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Quetinleclercq J; Angenot L; Dupont L; Dideberg O; Warin R; Delaude C; Coune 

Revision of the structure of strychnochromine 

1991 


32(34): 4295-4298 

Abstract 

The structure of strychnochromine, an unusual alkaloid isolated from the root bark of Strychnos 

gossweileri, has been revised. Strychnochromine 2 possesses a new pentacyclic skeleton with a 

tetrahydroquinoline rather than indole or indoline moiety.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Quetinleclercq, J., M. C. Depauwgillet, L. Angenot and R. Bassleer 

Effects of strychnopentamine on cells cultured in vitro 

1991 

Chemico-Biological Interactions 

80(2): 203-216 

Abstract 

This paper describes the powerful cytotoxic action exerted by strychnopentamine (SP), a dimeric 

indole alkaloid extracted from Strychnos usambarensis Gilg, on B16 melanoma cells and on noncancer 

human fibroblasts cultured in vitro. SP strongly inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell 

death at a relatively low concentration (< 1-mu-g/ml) after 72 h of treatment in the two lines. 

Incorporation of [H-3]thymidine and [H-3]leucine by B16 cells significantly decreases after only 1 h 

of treatment at 0.5-mu-g/ml. SP induces the formation of dense lamellar bodies and vacuolization in 

the cytoplasm, intense blebbing at the cell surface and various cytological alterations leading to cell 

d e a t h . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Quetinleclercq, J., M. Tits, L. Angenot and N. G. Bisset 

Alkaloids of Strychnos usambarensis stem bark 

1991 

Planta Medica 

57(5): 501-501 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Quetinleclercq, J., P. Coucke, C. Delaude, R. Warin, R. Bassleer and L. Angenot 

Matadine, a cytotoxic alkaloid from Strychnos gossweileri 

1991 


30(5): 1697-1700 

Abstract 

Matadine, a new alkaloid, has been isolated from the root bark of Strychnos gossweileri. 

Elucidation of its structure is mainly based on 1D and 2D NMR studies. Its cytotoxic activity has 

b een tested in vitro on cancer cells and normal cells.

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Rawal VH; Michoud C 

A general-solution to the synthesis of 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane unit of Strychnos 

1991 


32(14): 1695-1698 

Abstract 

The characteristic 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane substructure of Strychnos alkaloids can be constructed 

rapidly and stereospecifically using an intramolecular Heck reaction. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Tits, M., J. Damas, J. Quetinleclercq and L. Angenot 

From ethnobotanical uses of Strychnos henningsii to antiinflammatories, analgesi 

1991 


34(2-3): 261-267 

Abstract 

Strychnos henningsii Gilg is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of various 

ailments, including rheumatism, gastrointestinal complaints and snake bites. Different preliminary 

pharmacological experiments are described. The results show that some of the reported folk 

medicinal applications of S. henningsii can be at least partially explained by the presence of retulinelike 

alkaloids, whose use could lead to new antinociceptive (antiinflammatory and analgesic) and 

a n t i s p a s m o d i c d r u g s .

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Wright, C. W., D. H. Bray, M. J. Oneill, D. C. Warhurst, J. D. Phillipson, J. Queti 

Antiamoebic and antiplasmodial activities of alkaloids isolated from Strychnos us 

1991 

Planta Medica 

57(4): 337-340 

Abstract 

Seven alkaloids isolated from Strychnos usambarensis have been assessed for in vitro activities 

against Entamoeba histolytica and Plasmodium falciparum and for in vivo activity against 

Plasmodium berghei in mice. Strychnopentamine and 3',4'-dihydrousambarensine were highly active 

against P. falciparum in vitro, but were inactive and non-toxic against P. berghei in vivo. 

Usambarensine, usambarine, and 18,19-dihydrousambarine were highly active against E. histolytica 

in vitro, but were less active against P. falciparum in vitro. N(b)-Methylusambarensine was less 

active against both protozoa than was usambarensine, and akagerine possessed little antiprotozoal 

activity. Structure-activity relationships are discussed in the context of the reported cytotoxic and 

p harmacological properties of these alkaloids. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Alvarez M; Salas M; Deveciana A; Lavilla R; Bosch J 

Nucleophilic-addition of indole-2-acetic ester enolates to n-alkylpyridinium salts - 



31(35): 5089-5092 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Amat, M., A. Linares and J. Bosch 

A new synthetic entry to pentacyclic Strychnos alkaloids - total synthesis of (+/-)-t 



55(26): 6299-6312 

Abstract 

A new strategy for the synthesis of pentacyclic Strychnos alkaloids has been developed. It consists 

in the closure of the five-membered E ring by cyclization upon the indole 3-position from a suitably 

N-substituted tetracyclic system embodying rings ABCD of the alkaloids. Attempts to effect the key 

cyclization either by Pummerer rearrangement of sulfinylacetamides 4 and 6, from chloroacetamide 

12, or from bis(methylthio)acetamide 10b (exocyclic amide carbonyl group) resulted in failure. In 

the first case dithioacetals 9 and 10, respectively, were formed in good yields. Cyclization from 

alcohol 13 or from the indole-deactivated acetal 15 and dithiocetal 18 were also unsuccessful: 

noncyclized products coming from the initially formed oxonium or thionium intermediates 16 were 

obtained. Cyclization was satisfactorily accomplished in 49% yield by treatment of the N- 

unsubstituted indole dithioacetal 23 with DMTSF. The resulting pentacycle 25 was converted to 20- 

deethyltubifolidine (27). A similar treatment from dithioacetal 41a, prepared from the secondary 

amine 32a, afforded pentacycle 42a, from which the alkaloids tubifoline, tubifolidine, and 19,20- 

d i h y d r o a k u a m m i c i n e w e r e s y n t h e s i z e d . 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Angenot, L., M. L. Belempinheiro, A. F. I. Darocha, P. Poukensrenwart, J. Quetin 

An indolinic cryptoalkaloid from Strychnos mattogrossensis 



29(8): 2746-2749 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Bonjoch, J., A. Linares, M. L. Perez and J. Bosch 

Protected 2-indoleacetaldehyde derivatives from 2-acylindoles 



27(7): 1979-1981 

Abstract 

The conversion of tetracyclic 2-acylindoles 1 to the protected 2-indoleacetaldehydes 4 and 6 is 

reported. 2-Indoleacetaldehydes 5 undergo oxidation to the corresponding 2-acylindoles 1. 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Cai, B. C., M. Hattori and T. Namba 

Processing of nux vomica .2. Changes in alkaloid composition of the seeds of stry 


Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 

38(5): 1295-1298 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Datta, B. and N. G. Bisset 

Alkaloids of Strychnos ignatii 


Planta Medica 

56(1): 133-133 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Kraus, G. A., P. J. Thomas, D. Bougie and L. Chen 

Synthesis of a pentacyclic precursor to the Strychnos alkaloids 



55(5): 1624-1627 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Mukherjee, R., M. D. F. Melo, C. A. D. Santos, E. Guittet and C. Das 

Trinervine, a new indole alkaloid from Strychnos trinervis 


Heterocycles 

31(10): 1819-1822 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Quetinleclercq, J., L. Angenot and N. G. Bisset 

South-American Strychnos species - ethnobotany (except curare) and alkaloid scre 



28(1): 1-52 

-

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Thepenier, P., M. J. Jacquier, G. Massiot, L. Lemenolivier and C. Delaude 

Alkaloids from seeds of strychnos-variabilis and Strychnos longicaudata 



29(2): 686-687 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Thepenier, P., M. J. Jacquier, J. Henin, G. Massiot, L. Lemenolivier and C. Delau 

Alkaloids from Strychnos pungens 



29(7): 2384-2386 

- 

Author 

Title 

Year 

Source title 

Reference 

Abstract 

Yuno, K., H. Yamada, K. Oguri and H. Yoshimura 

Substrate-specificity of guinea-pig liver flavin-containing monooxygenase for mor 


Biochemical Pharmacology 

40(10): 2380-2382 

-

Strychnos 1990 - 2004 - Crops for the Future

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